Chiefs' Jones threatens holdout: Le'Veon Bell 'told me about this'
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones may opt for a holdout this season.
Jones, who was franchise tagged in March but has failed to ink a long-term extension during the offseason, threatened Tuesday on Twitter that it's possible he "won't play" without a new deal.
Or I won’t play. @LeVeonBell told me about this
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) July 1, 2020
The 25-year-old was replying to a retweeted video in which NFL Network's Mike Garafolo lists Jones as a player who deserves to sign a contract extension in 2020. Garafolo notes Jones and the Chiefs haven't come close to an agreement.
"(He) always viewed himself as a $20-million-plus guy. The Chiefs, frankly, never did," Garafolo said. "Even before the whole (COVID-19) situation, (they) never made an offer north of $20 million, (they) felt like they could get him somewhere below that.
"So a lot of work to be done here if there's going to be a long-term deal for Chris Jones."
Jones responded by citing New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell. Bell played under the franchise tag with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, but he sat out the entire 2018 campaign after refusing to sign the tender for a second straight year. He became a free agent in the 2019 offseason.
"(Bell) told me about this," Jones wrote.
Jones is set to make $16.1 million in 2020 if he signs the tag, according to Spotrac. Tagged players have until July 15 to ink a multi-year pact, otherwise, they must play under a one-year contract.
Jones made his first career Pro Bowl last season after amassing 36 tackles, nine sacks, and one forced fumble through 13 appearances. He's led the Chiefs in sacks in each of the last two campaigns.