Chiefs GM Brett Veach provides hopeful update on Chris Jones situation
The Kansas City Chiefs placed star DT Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list at the 53-man roster cut deadline, but could it be a brief stay? Speaking to media members on Wednesday, Chiefs GM Brett Veach struck a positive tone surrounding negotiations with Jones. Andy Reid had recently told reporters there had been no communication, […]
The Kansas City Chiefs placed star DT Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list at the 53-man roster cut deadline, but could it be a brief stay?
Speaking to media members on Wednesday, Chiefs GM Brett Veach struck a positive tone surrounding negotiations with Jones. Andy Reid had recently told reporters there had been no communication, but it seems that things have picked up over the past few days. This makes sense given the reports of Jones' agent, Michael Katz, being spotted at Joe's Kansas City BBQ.
But will Jones end his holdout and play against the Lions in Week 1?
"Listen, we're certainly hopeful for that," Veach said. "We actually have been in communication the last few days, we've been in more communication. We're going to press on and continue to work hard. A lot of respect on both sides of this thing. It has obviously been well-stated how we feel about Chris (Jones) and he feels the same way. So, again, we're just going to keep working on this thing. We're looking forward to Thursday and hoping he's in the lineup & ready to go."
Asked to clarify whether that meant Jones returning to the lineup under a new long-term contract extension or under his current deal, Veach didn't exactly offer clarity.
"We've been in communications," Veach reiterated. "I'd like to keep all communications between us and them out of respect for the whole process in the hopes that we can continue to work to get something done."
It sure sounds as if Veach is walking on eggshells, trying to do everything in his power to keep negotiations on the right track. Keeping a line of communication open is key to getting Jones back in the fold as quickly as possible, and ensuring that his threat of a seven-week holdout doesn't become a reality.
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