Chiefs LB Willie Gay: Despite Chris Jones absence, defense is ‘rolling’ in training camp
Chris Jones’ contract situation has remained one of the biggest storylines during the early phases of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 training camp.
The 29-year-old defensive tackle is entering the final year of his contract and is seeking an extension that will make him at least the second-highest-paid player at his position.
It was reported by Nate Taylor of The Athletic earlier this week that Kansas City is “at a stalemate” in their negotiations with Jones, who is said to be asking for $30 million per season. If that is the case and Jones is, in fact, seeking that much money, the All-Pro pass rusher’s holdout could persist for the foreseeable future.
Jones is overwhelmingly likely to play in 2023, but the question remains if he will do so on a new contract or not.
Despite Jones’ absence from training camp, linebacker Willie Gay told reporters on Friday that he feels the Chiefs’ defense is in a good spot as they prepare for the coming season at Missouri Western State University.
“We’ve been rolling,” Gay explained of the defense’s progression. “We all know [that] Chris Jones [has not been here], but we’ve been rolling. With him, of course, we will be a great defense. But, while we are here and while things are the way they are, we are going to ball out.”
If and when Jones reports to training camp, Gay expects that the veteran defensive tackle will make a major impact. However, while Jones is still gone, Kansas City’s defensive players are maintaining focus on their individual roles and responsibilities within coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system.
“[Jones will] add a big piece, a big piece that we hope to have,” Gay continued later in his comments to the media. “I mean, we can’t be out here thinking – dang, I wish Chris [Jones] was here – but we just have to handle things the way they are and roll with it.”
Jones’ contract situation with the Chiefs will continue to be a major talking point until he arrives at the team’s training camp in St. Joseph. But, until the negotiations are concluded, the Chiefs’ defensive personnel will have to operate without their superstar teammate on the field.
