The 2022 NFL free agency period is off and running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, predictions for free agent DE Chandler Jones continue to be discussed. Which NFL teams who need additional EDGE help could benefit the most from acquiring Jones in free agency?
Update: Chandler Jones has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders
Predictions for Chandler Jones in 2022 NFL Free Agency
No one started their season off quite as hot as Jones. In Week 1 for the Arizona Cardinals, he racked up an astounding 5 sacks against the Titans. Jones ended the season with 10.5 across his 15 games while adding 41 tackles (31 solo), 12 tackles for a loss, 26 QB hits, 6 forced fumbles, and 36 pressures.
As he has been throughout his entire career, Jones was a disruptor and stands to cash in during free agency. According to Spotrac, Jones has an estimated market value of $43.7 million across three seasons ($14.5M AAV). With other pass rushers having already been signed, where do predictions suggest Jones could sign during free agency entering his age-32 season?
New York Jets
According to PFN Insider Tony Pauline, the New York Jets are in the mix to sign Jones, the sixth-ranked overall free agent on Pro Football Network’s Top 100 Free Agents list.
Per Pauline, the Jets’ offseason plan included adding a pass rusher in free agency. This would be a logical move as head coach Robert Saleh prioritizes getting pressure on opposing QBs. Reports around the NFL Scouting Combine linked the Jets with former Packer and current free agent Za’Darius Smith.
Although the team’s interest appears to have dropped in recent weeks, the Jets have more than enough salary cap space to sign Jones. Currently, they have an estimated $42.59 million heading into the official start of the NFL new year at 4 PM on March 16.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have been spending money this offseason. In the first two days of the free agency window, they have spent $252 million in total contracts to this point and might not be done. Jacksonville still has an estimated salary cap space of $13.56 million and has yet to make any significant moves for the defensive line.
They do have two young pass rushers in Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson. However, Jones’ addition could give the Jaguars one of the best rotations in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have also been reported as being in the market for Jones this offseason. Jerry Hughes remains an unrestricted free agent, and the team could look to replace him with a veteran option like Jones.
However, they have high draft picks on their roster in Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Carlos Basham. Much like everything else in life, it comes down to money. How much is Jones looking for in free agency? Given the contract Randy Gregory signed, Jones will not be an inexpensive addition for a team with $8.35 million in salary cap space.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos were the running favorites to sign Jones in free agency as the arms race in the AFC West continues. However, after acquiring Gregory on a five-year, $70 million contract with $28 million guaranteed, it is unclear if they are still interested in adding Jones. Gregory was reportedly their No. 1 pass rusher on their board, so they got their guy.
With that said, the Broncos are going all-in. So it is hard to officially write them off any potential free agent until they are out of money. And even then, the salary cap is fake. There remains a chance Von Miller could also return to Denver, but it seems unlikely. A rotation of Jones, Gregory, and Bradley Chubb would be incredible for the Broncos and a nightmare for the AFC West.