The money talks have not yielded any results. The Chiefs‘ star defensive tackle continues his holdout with just days left until the franchise kicks off the season. Chris Jones, who has been in a holdout for months, isn’t budging until he secures a lucrative contract. He’s even taken to social media to declare that he won’t hit the field until week 8.

As Jones remains steadfast, the Super Bowl champions will open the season against the Detroit Lions without a rather explosive weapon in their arsenal. While Patrick Mahomes remains optimistic about leading the team with the resources at hand, many are apprehensive without Jones in the fold.

No improvements with the money talks

The defensive tackle is entering the final year of his four-year $80 million contract and is aiming for a deal that would potentially make him one of the top-most highest-earning players in his position. However, the Chiefs have been hesitant to loosen their purse strings, with Jones seeking an average annual salary of $30 million. Jones stayed away from the entire offseason program, training camps, and preseason games. The 29-year-old has already accumulated hefty fines, totaling $2 million to date. The All-Pro is also on the verge of having game checks docked, with the Chiefs placing him on the reserve/did not report list earlier this month.

As the 29-year-old is willing to sit out without securing the desired contract, the Chiefs, whose roster lacks any highest-paid players, appear unwilling to loosen their purse strings. Coach Andy Reid said he hasn’t given it much thought, stating, ‘We have a tough test against the Detroit Lions, and we’re focused on winning with the players we have,’ said Patrick Mahomes.

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However, many are skeptical without this pivotal piece, who led the franchise with matching career highs of 15 ½ sacks and 29 QB hits. He also led the league with 34 fourth-quarter pressures and made a memorable postseason run, grabbing two sacks and a team-high six quarterback hits.

The absence of DT hogs the spotlight

As the Chiefs prepare to kick off Week 1, it’s the absence of the DT that steals the spotlight. Many have rallied in the comments section under one of the Chiefs’ official Twitter posts, vocally expressing their desire to bring Jones back, while some fans getting quite riled up at the DT.

“Sign Chris Jones. First”, a user wrote.

“Perfect week to sign Chris Jones”, another comment read.

“Pay #95”, another joined.

Some did not mince their words. “Tell Chris Jones to get his ass out there, for heaven’s sake!”, read a comment.

Another wrote, “Ask Chris Jones nicely to take the $28 million. Explain to him that he can either still be rich with a champ or slightly richer with no future rings.”

It’s only getting spicier, as the days inch closer to season kick-off.

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