Report: Chiefs' Jones skipping minicamp amid stalled contract talks
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is expected to stay away from mandatory minicamp due to a lack of progress in negotiations for a new contract extension, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Jones wasn't with the team as the three-day camp opened Tuesday, Rapoport added.
The 24-year-old also stayed away from all voluntary offseason activities in an attempt to force a deal. Now that Jones is missing mandatory work, he'll be subject to fines totaling $88,650 under the collective bargaining agreement, which can be enforced at the team's discretion.
Jones had a breakout season in 2018, racking up the third-most sacks (15.5) in the league. Despite Kansas City moving to a 4-3 defense under Steve Spagnuolo this year, the team has insisted it sees Jones as a key piece moving forward.
The 2016 second-round pick is set to earn just $1.2 million in base salary during 2019. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles standout Fletcher Cox's average annual salary of $17.1 million leads all defensive tackles.