If there is an NFL team in need of some pass-rushing help this offseason, free agency will offer plenty of opportunities to fill that void. Many excellent EDGE defenders will be available to sign, one of them being Chandler Jones.
Jones is an elite pass rusher that isn’t a one-trick pony as he also holds up against the run. He has spent the last six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and is their all-time leader in sacks with 71.5 after racking up 36 in his first four seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots.
Despite being 32-years old, he has shown very few signs of slowing down. Durability has not really been an issue. Outside of 2020 when he tore his pectoral after only five games, he has missed 11 games in nine seasons.
Jones would be an upgrade for virtually every defensive front in the NFL. Where could he be taking his talents next? Here are three possible free agent destinations for the prized pass rusher.
3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos made a big trade ahead of the trade deadline, sending Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams for some draft picks. Now, Denver is in the market for another pass rusher opposite of Bradley Chubb.
Chubb has alternated great with poor seasons, racking up 12 sacks as a rookie before tearing his ACL and playing in only four games his second season. In Year 3, he had 7.5 sacks in 14 games before injuring his ankle, which lingered into the 2021 season. He played in only seven games, registering zero sacks.
Adding a bonafide pass rusher opposite of him in Chandler Jones would be a good move for the Broncos, who need all the pass rush help they can get to slow down Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr in their division.
2. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have a premier pass rusher in Myles Garrett that commands a lot of attention from opposing offenses. Jadeveon Clowney improved his stock playing opposite of him in 2021 and is now hitting free agency.
If the Browns lose Clowney, Jones would be a great replacement. Jones may not be as good of a run defender as Clowney, but he is certainly a bigger pass-rushing threat opposite of Garrett off the edge.
A lot of focus has been on the offensive side of the ball for Cleveland, and rightfully so. But, they need to address the hole opposite of Garrett if they are unable to retain Clowney. Those are some big shoes to fill and Jones would be an excellent replacement.
1. New England Patriots
Jones spent the first four seasons of his career in New England and they remain an excellent fit for him should he be interested in a reunion. Pairing him with last year’s big free-agent signing, Matt Judon, would create a fearsome pass rush for the Patriots.
Judon led the team with 12.5 sacks last season, but the next closest to him was Kyle Van Noy with five. Adding another bonafide pass rusher to the mix to bookend Judon will make this defense that much more dangerous.
The ability to scheme upfront is something Chandler Jones needs and Bill Belichik excels at. Jones is versatile enough to be used in different spots on the defensive front, being a hybrid weapon of sorts for New England to deploy.
