Defensive tackle Chris Jones and the rest of the defensive linemen were present at the Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp, which kicked off this week. What’s different about this year — compared to some previous ones — is that Jones and other prominent veterans also attended voluntary OTAs earlier this month.
Speaking to the media, Jones was asked about his motivation for showing up to the voluntary camp, and he didn’t split hairs:
“We got a lot of new guys coming in, especially dealing with a loss in the Super Bowl,” he said bluntly. “I wanted to get right back at it.”
Jones made it clear that the Chiefs’ ugly loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX is still front and center in the team’s mind.
“I think you can use a lot of things as motivation,” he said, “but you know the biggest motivation — making it to the big game, losing. Not only losing, but losing the way we did. I think it’s a lot, and a lot of people in the building feel like we could have done better.”
Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images
Jones was also asked about his newest partner in crime, rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. While teasing the rookie about having “some baby weight,” Jones also offered praise:
“He’s an athletic guy, an SEC guy — you know, we built different over there,” he said with a smirk. “He’s strong, explosive. He’s got a little baby weight on him, but I think by the time training camp is over and the season begins, he’ll be ready to go.”
Jones, always down for a good laugh and known for his transparency, was in top form on Tuesday when asked about right guard Trey Smith’s ongoing contract negotiations.
Unlike 2023, when Jones had his own contract dispute and held out until Week 2 of the regular season, Smith was in attendance at minicamp.
“Trey didn’t take my approach,” Jones joked, poking fun at himself. “Trey is doing the right thing, man.”
He went on to say he believes Smith is part of the Chiefs’ long-term plans, and that under no circumstances should Smith take contract advice from him.
“No, don’t take no advice from me. Like, I did things a little different. Don’t take no advice from me. Trey, you’re in a good place… Franchise tag is like 25 million, right?
“That’s the big bucks.”
When asked if he had any regrets about how his situation played out, Jones gave a knowing smile:
“Did I do things differently?” he said, before laughing. “You got your answer right there.”
