Star defensive tackle Chris Jones is still holding out for a new contract even though the Kansas City Chiefs are less than a week from playing their first game of the 2023 NFL season. This prompted Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce to make a public plea to Jones.
During a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, Kelce asked Jones to rejoin the team and said the Chiefs badly need him.
“Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me,” Kelce said. “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.”
It remains to be seen whether Jones gets moved by Kelce’s message, although Chiefs’ fans shouldn’t hold their breath. The 29-year-old Pro Bowler made it clear that he wants a new contract and hinted that he is willing to miss a big chunk of the regular season if that doesn’t happen.
Jones matched his career-high with 15.5 sacks in 2022 while receiving a First-team All-Pro nod. He has one year left on his current deal, which comes with a $20 million annual salary.
The Chiefs are opening the 2023 NFL season with a Thursday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions on September 7.
