Travis Kelce pleads with Chiefs DL Chris Jones to end holdout: 'You're really scaring me, man'

One Kansas City Chiefs star implored another to end his contract standoff with team management. And Travis Kelce said what’s unfolding with Chris Jones is scary. That’s why he piled on with the bargaining.

Jones is the Chiefs defensive tackle who also is one of the top defenders in the AFC. He’s honed a highly coveted skill set because he can rush the quarterback and thump a running back trying to blow through the A gap. And Jones wants his contract to reflect what he brings to the football field. He once was the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL behind only superstar Aaron Donald. Now, he’s a pedestrian ninth.

Chris Jones didn’t participate in OTAs or Chiefs minicamp. And he also skipped training camp, costing him $50,000 a day in fines. The situation is serious now, considering that Kansas City’s season debut is six days away. Plus, his teammates miss him.

During his podcast, Travis Kelce implored Chris Jones to come back. He played the best card possible — that gaudy Super Bowl ring. Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis’ big brother, asked if there were any updates.

“Ah man, Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man,” Travis Kelce said of Chris Jones.
“I don’t get it. You must know something that I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to get another Super Bowl ring with you, brother. This is me bargaining (with) you to just come back and play football for the Chiefs. Please, we need you. We need you bad. And I don’t know what the situation is.”

On a team known for offense, Travis Kelce is well aware Chris Jones and the defense helped Chiefs win Super Bowl

A playful Jason Kelce encouraged Jones to maintain his holdout until after week 10. Why such a random date? It’ll be after the Chiefs and Eagles play.

Travis Kelce added of Chris Jones: “He’s the best defensive player in the league right now. He’s deserving of all the money in the world. Chris, I love you, please come back. Now.”

Here’s why there’s a holdout. Jones is in his final season of a four-year, $80 million contract. The league prioritizes quarterbacks, left offensive tackles, edge rushers and defensive tackles. Aaron Donald is the highest paid tackle in the NFL with a contract of $95 million. That breaks down to $31.67 million per year. Reports suggest Jones wants to jump back up to the second spot behind Donald. That’s where he was when he signed his last contract in 2020.

But Jones has dropped on the pay list. Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams received a new four-year extension worth $96 million. It’s $24 million a year. So that makes him the second-highest paid tackle.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach said sides are starting to talk again, so maybe Kelce gets his wish.