With the Chiefs set to open their season on Thursday, coach Andy Reid appeared to be less than optimistic on Sunday when asked about star defensive tackle Chris Jones’s status amid his contract holdout.
Reid offered a cryptic response when asked about Jones following the latest speculation surrounding his contract extension negotiations. The All-Pro pass rusher was again absent from the team’s latest practice with both sides reportedly still “not close on a deal,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“I don’t know when he’s coming or not coming,” Reid said Sunday, per Rapoport.
Given the timing, Reid’s remark suggests Jones, who’s indicated he’s willing to take his holdout into Week 8, could very well remain on the team’s reserve/did not report list for the foreseeable future.
As Jones still reportedly seeks a new contract worth approximately $30 million per year, it remains to be seen if the Chiefs can ink the 29-year-old to his Aaron Donald-level deal before Week 1. With or Without Jones, the reigning Super Bowl champions will look to kick off their title defense with a win over coach Dan Campbell and the Lions in Kansas City on Thursday night.
