Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Chiefs DT Chris Jones does not report to camp

As expected, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones did not report to training camp on Saturday, multiple outlets reported.

Jones’ contract standoff with the team could span the team’s two-week camp or beyond.

Jones is entering the final year of his contract as the defensive tackle market continues to spike upward. That includes the four-year, $96 million deal recently signed by New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Jones had a pass-rush win rate of 21 percent, best in the NFL at the position, last season.

Jones, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a four-year, $80 million contract in July 2020. He’s scheduled to take home a base salary of $19.5 million in 2023. The 28-year-old can earn $500,000 for a workout bonus and a $1.25 million incentive bonus if he records 10 sacks this season.

Jones, who turned 29 earlier this month, finished third in defensive player of the year balloting last season after matching his career best of 15.5 sacks. He has 65 sacks in 107 games (86 starts) over seven NFL seasons.

The Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons signed a four-year, $94 million deal that falls just $1 million short of the full four-year value of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s existing contract. Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (four years, $90M) and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants (four years, $87.5M) also jumped Jones among highest-paid DTs.

–Field Level Media

Feb 15, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones smokes a cigar at the Super Bowl LVII Champions Parade in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs not expecting DT Chris Jones at camp without contract

Members of the Kansas City Chiefs front office are not peeking around dormitories at Missouri Western State for defensive tackle Chris Jones, whose contract standoff with the team will likely span the team’s two-week training camp or beyond.

Jones is entering the final year of his contract as the defensive tackle market continues to spike upward. That includes the four-year, $96 million deal signed by Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Jones had a pass-rush win rate of 21 percent, best in the NFL at the position, last season.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said this week there is ongoing dialogue with Jones’ camp related to his contract.

“That’s the important part. And we just have to see,” Reid said.

Jones, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a four-year, $80 million contract in July 2020. He’s scheduled to take home a base salary of $19.5 million in 2023. The 28-year-old can earn $500,000 for a workout bonus and a $1.25 million incentive bonus if he records 10 sacks this season.

The defensive tackle market is rising rapidly this offseason.

Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans) signed a four-year, $94 million deal that falls just $1 million short of the full four-year value of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s existing contract. Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (four years, $90M) and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants (four years, $87.5M) also jumped Jones among highest-paid DTs.

Reid called Jones’ contract “well deserved” in 2020.

With Jones in the fold, Kansas City has the potential to start 10 homegrown defensive players in 2023, with free safety Justin Reid the lone player drafted by another team.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Chris Jones: ‘I will not play for another franchise’

Extending the contract of defensive tackle Chris Jones seemingly was on the to-do list for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, at it appears they might be close.

In response to a comment posted on his Twitter account on Sunday morning, Jones wrote this: “I’m a chief for life. I will not play for another franchise”

Jones, 28, signed a four-year, $80 million contract extension in 2020, and he’s due to become a free agent after the 2023 league year.

His contract value has been eclipsed by one signed by Aaron Donald with the Los Angeles Rams — three years for $95 million, all guaranteed.

The Chiefs selected Jones in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s played 107 regular-season games (86 starts) and has 65 sacks, 243 tackles, two interceptions, 33 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts to a play in the second half against the the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff -USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL defends controversial roughing call on Chris Jones

The NFL has stood by a controversial penalty on Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones for roughing the passer in Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

NFL senior vice president of officiating administration Perry Fewell recorded a video defending the call, which was sent to all 32 NFL teams, The Athletic reported Thursday.

Jones sacked Raiders quarterback Derek Carr during Monday night’s 30-29 Chiefs win, hitting the quarterback in his midsection. Although Jones attempted to brace himself as both players went to the ground, putting his hand out to the turf, referee Carl Cheffers ruled it roughing the passer because Jones landed on Carr with his full body weight.

The ball also came loose on the play, meaning the play was still active.

“The Kansas City defender executes his rush plan in his effort to sack the quarterback,” Fewell said in the video. “He lands with his full body weight on the drive to the ground. A quarterback in the pocket, in a passing posture, gets full protection until he can defend himself. This was a properly called foul for roughing the passer.”

Jones and the Chiefs have been vocal in their criticism of the decision.

“I’m not saying the ref is wrong, but I’m just saying those situations can affect the game tremendously,” Jones said. “Especially in the playoffs, a critical situation like that, a game-changing play, it can affect the whole (expletive) game. Excuse my language, but we just have to take initiative as a league and see what we can do better.”

The play garnered extra attention in part because it came one day after Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett was whistled for roughing the passer while sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Jarrett wrapped up Brady by the waist and tossed him to the ground. The penalty hurt the Falcons’ chances of mounting a comeback, as they ultimately lost 21-15.

–Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter during the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Jan 30 Afc Championship 289

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman, DT Chris Jones exit practice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman and defensive tackle Chris Jones exited practice early on Wednesday.

Per multiple media outlets, Hardman injured his left leg after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a pass. He was examined in the medical tent before being carted off the field.

Jones exited practice on a cart prior to any team drills.

The severity of the injuries was not immediately known.

Hardman, 24, was expected to see an increase in targets after All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill was acquired in a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.

He recorded 59 catches for 693 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games last season.

Hardman has 126 receptions for 1,791 yards and 12 touchdowns in 49 games since being selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Jones, 28, totaled nine sacks and 27 tackles in 14 games last season.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Jones has 49.5 sacks and 199 tackles in 90 career games (69 starts) since being selected by Kansas City in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: OBJ, Christian McCaffrey test positive for COVID-19

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey have tested positive for COVID-19, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns were placed in enhanced COVID-19 mitigation protocols after putting eight players — six from the active roster — on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The players are wide receiver Jarvis Landry, offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., tight end Austin Hooper, guard Wyatt Teller, defensive end Takkarist McKinley, guard Drew Forbes, wide receiver JoJo Natson (practice squad) and tight end Ross Travis (practice squad).

Kansas City Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones was placed in COVID-19 protocols, meaning he likely will be unable to play Thursday night in an AFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Beckham would be the sixth Rams’ player to be added to the reserve/COVID-19 list, joining running back Darrell Henderson, tight end Tyler Higbee, cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Dont’e Deayon as well as right tackle Rob Havenstein.

Beckham, 29, reeled in his third touchdown pass in as many games during Los Angeles’ 30-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. The three-time Pro Bowl selection had six catches for 77 yards to help the Rams (9-4) record their second straight victory.

Beckham has 32 receptions for 436 yards with three touchdowns this season in 10 games split between the Cleveland Browns and Rams.

McCaffrey, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, already has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury.

McCaffrey, 25, finished the season with 442 yards on 99 carries to go with 343 yards on 37 receptions. He scored one rushing and one receiving touchdown each.

Jones, 27, has played in 11 games (all starts) on the season. He has 20 tackles (six for loss), seven sacks and 14 quarterback hits. He was a Pro Bowl selection each of the past two seasons.

–Field Level Media

Nov 21, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) comes to the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs DT Chris Jones in COVID-19 protocols

Kansas City Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones was placed in COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday, meaning he likely will be unable to play Thursday night in an AFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Also in the protocols is wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.

Coach Andy Reid confirmed Jones’ entry into the protocols but didn’t rule him or Gordon out against the Chargers.

“We’ll see,” Reid said. “We’ll just see how the testing, you know they test here. So, we’ll just see how that goes.”

The vaccination status of the players depends on whether they have a chance to play Thursday. If a player is vaccinated and tests positive, he could return if two tests taken 24 hours apart come back negative.

Jones, 27, has played in 11 games (all starts) on the season. He has 20 tackles (six for loss), seven sacks and 14 quarterback hits. He was a Pro Bowl selection each of the past two seasons.

The Chargers (8-5) have won three of their past four games to climb back in the AFC West race behind leader Kansas City (9-4). Thursday’s game is at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (quadriceps) misses practice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill missed another practice Thursday while All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce was limited.

Hill is battling a quadriceps injury sustained in last week’s win over the Washington Football Team. Kelce is managing a neck injury but expects to play on Sunday when the Chiefs (3-3) visit the Tennessee Titans (4-2) in Nashville, Tenn.

Good news did come in the form of defensive end Chris Jones practicing for the first time since Week 4. He has missed the past two games with a wrist injury.

Hill played just 57 percent of the team’s offensive snaps against Washington. He had nine catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro missed practice last week with a knee injury. He has 46 receptions for 592 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

Cornerback Charvarius Ward (quadriceps) practiced again Thursday, albeit limited. He hasn’t played since Week 2.

Left guard Joe Thuney (hand) and linebacker Anthony Hitchens (triceps contusion) missed practice.

However, defensive tackle Jarran Reed (back) and offensive lineman Trey Smith (ankle) were full participants after being limited Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Tennessee Titans tight end Geoff Swaim (87) looks up at the Jumbotron during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.

Aab0513

Titans activate TE Geoff Swaim, waive CB Chris Jones

The Tennessee Titans activated tight end Geoff Swaim from the reserve/COVID-19 list and waived cornerback Chris Jones from the active roster on Monday.

The Titans also released linebacker Justin March-Lillard after activating him from the COVID list.

Tennessee opens the regular season Sunday at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

Swaim and March-Lillard were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last Thursday.

Swaim, who turns 28 on Sept. 16, caught nine passes for 83 yards and a touchdown in 10 games (eight starts) in his first season with the Titans in 2020.

He has 57 catches for 484 yards and two scores in 53 career games (28 starts) with the Dallas Cowboys (2015-18), Jacksonville Jaguars (2019) and Tennessee.

Jones, 26, signed with the Titans in April. He has 41 tackles in 22 career games (six starts) with the Cardinals (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020) and Minnesota Vikings (2020).

March-Lillard, 28, signed with Tennessee in May. He has 45 tackles in 59 career games (five starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2016), Miami Dolphins (2017), Seattle Seahawks (2017) and Cowboys (2017-20).

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys punter Chris Jones (6) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys release P Chris Jones after 10 seasons

The Dallas Cowboys released punter Chris Jones after 10 seasons with the team.

Jones had one year left on the four-year, $8.7 million extension he signed in 2017. The move saves the Cowboys $2 million in cap space.

Jones, 31, was on injured reserve for the final eight games of 2020 after abdominal surgery.

He joined the Cowboys in 2011 and had been the full-time punter since 2013, appearing in 126 games and averaging 44.5 yards per punt.

The veteran’s release leaves 2020 newcomer Hunter Niswander as the only punter on the Dallas roster. He averaged 47.2 yards per punt in eight games after replacing Jones.

–Field Level Media