Chiefs' Jones doesn't believe he's a distraction: I just want a raise

Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones doesn't believe he's letting his teammates down as he continues to hold out for a new deal.

"Who are you letting down if you're asking your boss for a raise?" he said Wednesday, according to the Kansas City Star's Sam McDowell. "When you take the personal feelings out of it, you kind of get it."

The four-time Pro Bowler added that he felt he'd be a bigger distraction for the Chiefs if he staged a hold-in.

However, Jones is optimistic that the two sides can reach a deal.

"Hopefully, it all gets worked out," he said. "It's always been my goal to be a Kansas City Chief for life. I've said that multiple times on social media platforms (and) from interviews. They know where my position is at."

Jones is entering the final season of a four-year, $80-million extension he signed in July 2020. The two-time Super Bowl winner has racked up fines for missing the team's offseason workouts, training camp, and all three preseason games. He could forfeit close to $1.1 million for every regular-season game he misses, according to The Associated Press' Dave Skretta.

Jones said he's been training and keeping in shape in Miami during his absence. The defensive standout also said he's kept in communication with his teammates.

Jones isn't sure if he'll be playing or watching the Chiefs' season opener from the sideline Thursday against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. However, he's adamant that he'd be on the field tomorrow if he signed a new deal today.

"I can play right now," Jones said, according to The Athletic's Nate Taylor.