After weeks of being at odds with the Las Vegas Raiders, All-Pro defensive end Chandler Jones has been released from his contract. The transaction comes just a day after Jones was arrested for allegedly violating a temporary protective order.
Jones has been away from the team since the beginning of September, and the Raiders finally admitted defeat by placing the four-time Pro Bowler on the non-football-related injured reserve on Sept. 20. Yet, unlike the typical injured reserve, Jones technically is eligible to play right away instead of being forced to miss four weeks like usual.
While the Raiders just signed the two-time All-Pro edge rusher just last March, it became clear during the preseason that he no longer had any interest in playing for Las Vegas. These issues seemingly stemmed from his relationship with head coach Josh McDaniels and team owner Mark Davis.
Now, Jones gets his wish, with the chance to pick his next NFL destination. If he does quickly land on his feet, Jones has a chance to join his fourth NFL franchise after previously winning a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, where he spent his first four seasons, before landing with the Arizona Cardinals for six more years.
At his best, Jones is a menacing pass-rusher who has 112 career sacks. He also has 34 forced fumbles, showing how much of an impact he can make in the turnover battle as well. Jones recorded 4.5 sacks across 15 starts for the Raiders last season, and now at 33 years old, should still have a few productive seasons left in the tank.
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