Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has perfect response to Chris Jones holdout questions
The Kansas City Chiefs and DT Chris Jones are at an impasse in contract negotiations. Jones put out into the ether that he's willing to hold out until Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. Andy Reid said he has no idea what Jones' plans are because he hasn't communicated them to the team. With things reaching […]
The Kansas City Chiefs and DT Chris Jones are at an impasse in contract negotiations.
Jones put out into the ether that he's willing to hold out until Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. Andy Reid said he has no idea what Jones' plans are because he hasn't communicated them to the team.
With things reaching a bit of a tipping point publicly, Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes was asked about the negotiations. Asked whether he expects to be without Jones to start the 2023 NFL season, Mahomes explained that contract negotiations are tough, but typically work themselves out.
"No, not necessarily," Mahomes told reporters. "I know that contract stuff is hard to talk about because I know everybody wants to make money for their entire family and everything like that. But I know how much Chris (Jones) loves the Chiefs and loves being a part of this organization. I just try to stay out of it and tell Chris that I love him. And whenever he does come back, he'll be welcomed with open arms. We know that he's preparing himself so that when he does get back, he'll be that dominant player that he always has been."
The business side of the NFL can get messy, but Mahomes is confident that Jones still wants to be in Kansas City for the long haul. The team will welcome him back with open arms whenever he does choose to end his holdout.
Mahomes indicated that he didn't expect Jones' to stay away this long, but he's not holding any ill will toward his teammate for that decision.
"Yeah, I don't think anyone expected him not to be here now, but that's part of the contract negotiation stuff," Mahomes said. "I'm not looking down on him or anything like that. He has stuff that he's trying to get done that he feels like he has to get done now. So, I respect his decision and whenever he gets back, like I said, we'll welcome him with open arms. He's a vital part of this organization, so I'm glad that he's on my team."
Pure class from Mahomes as he navigates one of the more complex topics with the season rapidly approaching.
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Featured image via Chiefs presser 8.23.23
