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Kansas City Rift: Chris Jones Tears Into Rookie Who Stormed Out of Camp After Learning a Lower Pick Landed a Fatter Payday

Kansas City, MO  — A surprising twist hit the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp when a standout rookie abruptly walked off the practice field after discovering that a later draft pick is earning a larger contract.

The decision stunned both teammates and coaches, especially given the rookie’s impressive showing in the team’s preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals, where he led the defense in tackles and drew praise from the coaching staff.

That rookie is linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, a fifth-round selection out of Oregon, who signed a four-year, $4.61 million deal with $413,652 guaranteed. His frustration reportedly boiled over after learning seventh-round running back Brashard Smith has a larger total contract value.

“SKIPPING PRACTICE OVER A CONTRACT? THAT’S COWARDLY. IN KANSAS CITY, WE SWEAT, COMPETE, AND EARN OUR SPOTS. WE’VE TURNED DOWN BIGGER MONEY JUST TO WEAR RED AND GOLD — IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE IT, HAND YOUR JERSEY TO SOMEONE WHO WILL FIGHT FOR IT.” Jones told reporters.

Bassa’s departure came less than 48 hours after his six-tackle performance against the Cardinals, a game that saw him flash the athleticism and coverage skills head coach Andy Reid had praised just days earlier. His walkout has left many puzzled.

Brashard Smith, the player at the center of the contract comparison, signed a four-year, $5.33 million deal with $233,476 guaranteed. While Smith has shown promise as a pass-catching back, he did not record any notable stats against Arizona.

For Kansas City, the episode is an unwelcome distraction as camp enters a critical stretch. Coaches and veterans alike are working to keep focus on preparation, especially with roster cuts looming in the weeks ahead.

Whether Bassa returns to the field or this marks a turning point in his rookie season remains to be seen. For now, the Chiefs’ message is clear — in this locker room, commitment comes before contract disputes.

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Chiefs Safety Faces Family Tragedy During Bye Week as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks is mourning a heartbreaking loss during the team’s bye week, following the tragic death of his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected, military-trained skydiving instructor known in the community as “Spidey.” Fuller, 35, was killed in a tandem skydiving accident near Nashville over the weekend after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was rescued by firefighters.Authorities confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered from a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department praised its rescue teams for carrying out “one of the most complex high-angle operations in years.” Fuller had completed over 5,000 jumps, trained U.S. military personnel, and was admired for his precision and leadership in the skydiving community. Friends remembered him as “fearless, disciplined, and devoted to helping others fly.”Hicks, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up closely connected to his cousin — often crediting him for shaping his mindset on focus and accountability both on and off the field. A family member told local media, “Justin taught Jaden that real courage isn’t about taking risks — it’s about discipline, service, and heart. That’s how he lived, and that’s what Jaden carries into every game.” Hicks, a product of Washington State, has quietly carved out a key role in Kansas City's defense this season - playing approximately 42% of defensive snaps, recording 10 solo tackles through 5 weeks, earning a PFF grade of 57.9, and adding one tackle on special teams. có đúng thông tin không The Chiefs, currently on their bye week, have granted Hicks time to be with his family. Teammates and coaches are said to be offering full support during this difficult period. The FAA has opened an investigation into the accident, as tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.