Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Chandler Jones told the franchise he either wanted a contract extension or a trade this offseason. With the franchise unwilling to do either, the All-Pro linebacker is proving why his next team will open the checkbook.
Jones came into the 2021 NFL season determined to prove he could still play at an elite level. He missed 11 games last season after suffering a biceps injury and never looked right when he was on the field. In better shape this season, it didn’t take long for Jones to make an impact.
On the Tennessee Titans’ second drive, Jones was unblocked and took full advantage. As Ryan Tannehill pulled away on the play-action, he was immediately greeted by Arizona’s star pass rusher and the hit caused a strip sack.
Jones wasn’t done. Entering the day three sacks shy of 100 in his career, the three-time Pro Bowl selection tore through Tennessee’s offensive two more times in the first quarter.
- Chandler Jones stats (2016-’19): 98 quarterback hits, 67 tackles for loss, 60 sacks and 17 forced fumbles
According to Mark Dalton, Jones becomes the eighth-fastest player to reach 100 career sacks. Among that group, fellow teammate J.J. Watt (120 games).
Jones is eligible for free agency this offseason and is playing at the levels we saw during his peak years. As long as he stays healthy, he’ll be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and will become one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL next spring.