For any team with a bit of cap space and a need on the front seven, Chandler Jones is likely on the list of targets.
And for the veteran edge rusher, it’s not the money at this point in his career he cares about, it’s the fit.
Jones, at 32-years-old, might not be in his prime still, but he remains a highly-effective pass rusher, and has been the anchor of the Arizona Cardinals defense for years. He’s gotten some big contracts and won a Super Bowl in his career, and now he’s hitting unrestricted free agency for the first time this offseason.
As he fields offers, one thing will be of chief importance to him: the scheme.
“It’s not about money at all,” Jones told his former Patriots teammate Logan Ryan on the “NFL Players Podcast” this week. “Where I am in my career, I’ve gotten contracts, I’ve gotten a Super Bowl, but scheme is huge or for me it’s winning more championships. I’ll say it again, it’s not about money. I will say, I want to go to a place that maximizes my talents. … When it comes to my decision, where does Chandler Jones become Chandler Jones – where does he maximize his talent? …
“I’ll say this again, what team maximizes Chandler Jones’ talents?”
Which team represents the best scheme fit for Jones isn’t entirely clear. It very well might be the Cardinals, and Jones sounded amenable to returning to Arizona. But there will be offers from other teams, no doubt.
Ultimately, there might end up being enough of a bidding war for Jones that he’s able to check a few boxes in terms of money, scheme and status as a contender. At this point in his career, he’s done more than enough to deserve landing in a spot that accommodates everything he’s looking for.
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