Jones could be ready for Week 1 if deal gets worked out

All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones believes he could be ready to play in the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener Thursday night if he reaches a contract extension with the defending Super Bowl champions.

“I've been keeping in contact with my teammates. I've been working out every day, doing similar things to what they're doing in training camp,” Jones said Wednesday. “I'll be ready when the time comes.”

The Chiefs open the NFL season Thursday night against the visiting Detroit Lions.

“Hopefully it gets worked out,” Jones said. “It's always been my goal to be a Kansas City Chief for life.

“I've said that multiple time on social media platforms, from interviews, and they know where my position is at.”

Jones finished third in voting for NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season while playing a major role in the Chiefs' second Super Bowl title in four years.

The 29-year-old tied a career high with 15.5 sacks in 17 regular-season games and registered two more in Kansas City's win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game.

The seven-year veteran has been named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons, while his 56.5 sacks since 2018 are the fourth most in the NFL over that stretch.

“We're going to continue to press on and work hard,” Kansas City general manager Brett Veach said. “A lot of respect on both sides of this thing.

“It’s been well-stated how we feel about Chris and he feels the same thing. We’re just going to keep working on this thing.”