#Chiefs’ Chris Jones threatens to pull a Le’Veon Bell and hold out

Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive tackle, is threatening to pull a Le’Veon Bell. Jones wants a new contract and is apparently willing to sit out a full season to get one.

Responding to an NFL Network report that there is “a lot of work” for the two sides to come to an agreement before the July 15 deadline, Jones tweeted: “Or I won’t play. Le’Veon Bell told me about this.”

Bell sat out the entire 2018 season while a member of the Steelers to get what he wanted. He did get his money, landing a four-year contract with the Jets that could pay him as much as $61 million if he reaches all of the incentives in the deal.

There are some big differences, of course. Bell was on his second franchise tag in 2018. Jones, 25, is only on his first, meaning he may have to sit out two seasons to get his big money deal. He would earn $16.1 million if he plays this year under the franchise tag.

Jones, the NFL Network reported, wants upwards of over $20 million per season. Only five defensive players in the NFL make an average salary above $20 million: Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald, DeMarcus Lawrence, DeForest Buckner and Frank Clark.

Jones is a stellar player. The 37th overall pick in 2016, he had 15 sacks in 2018 and nine last year after shifting from defensive end to defensive tackle.