Former Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Chandler Jones is signing a new contract elsewhere in free agency. The veteran has agreed to join the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Networks’ Tom Pelissero. One of the corresponding moves? Raiders pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue is expected to be traded to the Colts in a deal that includes CB Rock Ya-Sin, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Chandler Jones signs with Raiders
Jones will make $17 million per year with the Raiders, according to Pelissero. Jones, who spent the past six seasons with the Cardinals, will join his third NFL team and look to win another ring to add to his collection. He won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots before they traded him to Arizona in 2016.
Jones will step in and immediately improve the Raiders’ pass rush. He has produced double-digit sacks in six of the past seven seasons. Furthermore, he is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection.
Getting to know Jones
The Patriots selected Jones with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Syracuse alum was an immediate contributor, posting 45 tackles, 6 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles as a rookie.
Jones reinforced his importance during his second season in New England, collecting 79 tackles and 11.5 sacks. During his final two years with the Pats, Jones had 18.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.
In 2016, the Patriots traded Jones to the Cardinals in exchange for former first-round guard Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick. During his first season in Arizona, Jones produced 49 tackles, 11 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He transitioned to a 3-4 outside linebacker with the Cardinals and excelled. Jones was then franchise tagged after his first year in the desert. He eventually signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the team.
Fresh off the new deal, Jones generated a career-high 17 sacks. During his six seasons in Arizona, Jones recorded 71.5 sacks and 33 forced fumbles. He has collected 107.5 sacks during his 10-year career.
Who else is left on the market?
Jones was Pro Football Network Lead NFL Analyst Dalton Miller’s third overall free agent and top-ranked edge defender on the open market.
He wasn’t the only notable name to hit the open market at the EDGE position during free agency. Jadeveon Clowney of the Cleveland Browns, Von Miller of the Los Angeles Rams, and Derek Barnett of the Philadelphia Eagles still highlight the group.