Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes broke his silence on the Chris Jones holdout saga, as the team’s Week 1 opener against the Detroit Lions draws closer.
Jones remains absent from the Chiefs as he continues to hold out hope for a new deal. The 29-year-old is entering the last season of a four-year extension worth $80 million that he signed in the 2020 offseason.
“At this point, you prepare to win the game with the guys in the building,” Mahomes said regarding Jones’ holdout, per Nate Taylor of The Athletic.
As per NFL tradition, Kansas City will host the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday as the defending Super Bowl champions. They’re aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the 2003 and ’04 New England Patriots.
Without a doubt, Jones’ absence makes that goal significantly more difficult. KC’s defense isn’t exactly loaded with stars, but the Jones-led pass rush has always come through with big plays for Andy Reid and company.
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Kansas City released one of its other top pass rushers, Frank Clark, in a cap-saving move earlier this offseason. Clark went on to sign with the AFC West rival Denver Broncos. Throw in Jones’ absence, and it’s not hard to envision KC struggling to get to the passer as long as he continues his holdout.
The 29-year-old Jones has been a key part of the Chiefs’ last two Super Bowl championship teams, with 65 sacks in 107 career games. The sooner the matter is resolved, the better for all parties.
