Cardinals don't expect Jones to attend minicamp

The Arizona Cardinals do not expect linebacker Chandler Jones to attend mandatory minicamp, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said, according to team reporter Darren Urban.

Fellow Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks did not attend Tuesday's opening session; Arizona gave the 28-year-old permission to seek a trade after it drafted Zaven Collins to be its starting middle linebacker.

"We've been in communication with both guys, we know the situations, and I'll leave that dialogue between us," Kingsbury said. "Nothing else to report on that."

Jones, 31, is entering the final season of a five-year, $82-million contract he signed in March 2017. He's set to earn $15.5 million in 2021.

The three-time Pro Bowler missed all but five games last year after suffering a torn biceps in Week 5. Jones earned the second first-team All-Pro nod of his career in 2019 after racking up 53 tackles, 19 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss.

Jones has not publicly commented on his contract status. Despite his absence, other Cardinals players such as Budda Baker backed the pass-rusher.

"This is an NFL business league, and we support Chan in whatever he is doing," Baker said. "When we see him, we see him."

Jones did show up to the Cardinals' media day, posing with new teammate J.J. Watt.

not photoshop. pic.twitter.com/pCDTPtTnC3

- JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 8, 2021

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