Chandler Jones is an intriguing name this offseason as a free agent. He has racked up double-digit sacks in six of the last seven seasons and comes in at No. 6 on PFN’s Top 75 Free Agents list. What might Jones’ market look like as a free agent this offseason, some predictions, and where are his potential landing spots in 2022?
Predictions for free agent Chandler Jones
Jones is an intriguing player because of his ability to be a true difference-maker in any game. He demonstrated that with 5 sacks in Week 1 of the 2021 season. However, he added just 5.5 sacks in the next 14 games he played. But some of that can be attributed to the attention a premier pass rusher like Jones attracts from opposing linemen.
The deal Jones could command this offseason is intriguing. Spotrac places Jones’ market value at around $14.5 million on a three-year deal. However, it is realistic that a team with cap space and believes they can contend could go above and beyond that number. Thus, a contract in the region of two years at $20 million a year is more than possible.
Jones’ best landing spots
Jones fits best into a 3-4 scheme, which somewhat limits the options in terms of potential landing spots. However, a number of teams have the mix of cap space, scheme fit, and situation that could consider adding Jones this offseason.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ situation has changed massively from the end of the 2021 season. Nathaniel Hackett is now in as head coach, and the team just traded multiple first-round selections to acquire Russell Wilson. Denver is now immediately in contention not just for the AFC West but a Super Bowl appearance.
When you look at the Broncos’ projected roster and depth chart for 2022, there is a glaring weakness in terms of their pass rush. Bradley Chubb has not developed as they would have hoped, and there’s no clear leader among the group. Jones would instantly fill that role and could open up opportunities for the younger players lining up opposite him.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are in an interesting situation all around. They drafted Trevor Lawrence last year and will have a new head coach in Week 1 for the second consecutive season. From what we saw in 2021, they are a long way from contending. But with Doug Pederson at the helm and a young QB on a rookie deal, the Jaguars could easily use this offseason to go all-in.
Jacksonville enters the offseason with $40 million in cap space and the opportunity to make several upgrades. Jones would make for a fantastic pass-rush rotation with Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson. However, with two young and talented pass rushers, we may see the Jaguars focus their attention elsewhere than adding more players off the edge.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are in a somewhat similar position to the Chargers. They have a young QB on a rookie deal, who they have to build around. Sure, the jury is more out on Tua Tagovailoa than it is on Herbert. Yet, the Dolphins have an opportunity to go all out in free agency this year. They have the cap space and have been on the fringes of the AFC playoffs in each of the last two years.
The Dolphins have Emmanuel Ogbah set to be a free agent this offseason. Therefore, they need to look for a replacement in the free agent market, and Jones fits that mold. The Dolphins do not have a clear leader to their pass rush if Ogbah departs, and Jones would be a luxury piece that could really give them a boost on an already talented defense.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have also been reported as being in the market for Jones this offseason. They have Jerry Hughes as an unrestricted free agent and may want a veteran pass rusher to replace him. However, they have high draft picks on their roster in Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Carlos Basham. Therefore, with relatively limited cap space available, they may not be able to compete financially with some of the offers on the table from teams more flush with cap space.