Patrick Mahomes Sends Clear Message to Chris Jones

While Andy Reid voiced confidence that Chris Jones would make it to training camp and also reminding him to ‘stay in shape’, Kansas City Chiefs phenom Patrick Mahomes sent a confident message of his own on Thursday.

The Chiefs quarterback doesn’t seem bothered that the team’s best defensive lineman did not attend minicamp this year. Jones is in the final year of his deal and will make $19.5 million this season before becoming a free agent at the age of 30.

Unless the Chiefs and Jones reach an agreement on a contract extension, which the former Mississippi State standout wishes. Mahomes stood firm and said that Jones “knows” the team “loves him” in Kansas City. “He’s been a part of this team for a long time,” Mahomes said via ArrowheadPride.

“He’s one of the main reasons that we’ve had the success that we’ve had; he’s been that leader on the defense. He’s made a lot of big plays in what seem like the biggest moments. And you want those guys on your team.”

Jones has the highest cap hit of any defensive lineman in 2023, with a healthy $28,291,668 devoted to him. However, as he approaches free agency, the star defensive lineman clearly desires more security and money. Both of which he has earned more than once. He’s had no fewer than 7.5 in the previous five years, with two seasons of 15.5, including 2022.