Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes understands the importance of Chris Jones to achieve the team’s overall goal of winning back-to-back Super Bowls.

Commenting on his teammate’s current holdout situation, Mahomes said that while he doesn’t like to get in the middle of contract talk, he has been in contact with Jones:

“I talk to Chris, not necessarily about contract stuff… I just talk about football, and how he’s doing. I mean he’s working out; he’s staying in shape. All of that will handle itself, and all I can do is just be supportive, be a teammate.”

All in all, Mahomes said he just wants to see Jones back on the field as soon as possible:

“I mean, that’s one of the guys that’s been a staple to this organization for a long time, so hopefully we get him back in camp as soon as possible.”

Chris Jones’ defensive leadership

The defensive end’s performance and leadership with the team has made him one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL.

Jones had his breakout season in 2018 finishing his third year with 33 tackles and 15.5 sacks (season career high).

The 29-year-old hasn’t missed a Pro Bowl since 2019 (four straight selections). To sum it up, Chris Jones is to the Chief’s defense what Patrick Mahomes is to the offense. Both are considered the team’s catalysts for their recent success.

Jones’ current extension status

The defensive tackle is currently seeking an extension ahead of the final year of his four-year $80 million contract. He is set to make $19.5 million dollars this season but he has no guaranteed money owed.

Jones started his holdout back during mandatory minicamp in the spring and is currently missing the second week of training camp.

Per team rules, he is facing a $50,000 fine for each day he misses of the Chief’s training sessions at the Missouri Western State University campus.

So far, Jones has accumulated more than $400,000 dollars worth of fines since training camp started for veterans on July 22.