Chris Jones has even more leverage with Chiefs defender suspended

Chris Jones continues to hold out for a new contract and the Chiefs have even more pressure to get his deal done with Charles Omenihu suspended.

The biggest item on the docket for the Chiefs’ front office is to get Chris Jones signed to an extension and back on the practice field. And now it’s even bigger.

The All-Pro defensive tackle is holding out for a new deal and hasn’t reported to training camp. The Chiefs need Jones on their defensive line if they want to mount a title defense this season. That’s especially true because they’re already going to be missing another lineman for six games.

On Friday, the NFL announced a six-game suspension for Charles Omenihu, the former 49er who was expected to start at defensive end this year. Omenihu violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy because of a domestic violence arrest in January while he was still with San Francisco.

Omenihu can still practice with the team, but he will miss games against the Lions, Jaguars, Bears, Jets, Vikings and Broncos. He should return for the Week 7 division battle against the Chargers.

Chris Jones leverage only improved with Charles Omenihu suspension

The Chiefs lost Frank Clark to the Broncos and Khalen Saunders to the Saints in free agency. Carlos Dunlap hasn’t been re-signed, at least not yet. Kansas City has had enough turnover on the defensive line to cause some concern even without one of the major figures signed to fill a gap missing six games to start the campaign.

There is no universe where KC can afford to not have Jones out there anchoring the line in 2023 from Day 1. Jones must see that. It only strengthens the argument for his hold out.

Yet Jones’ most recent social media activity hinted that “all good things must come to an end.” That’s an especially worrying message in light of the suspension of another key defensive lineman.