The Arizona Cardinals didn’t franchise tag Chandler Jones by Tuesday afternoon’s deadline, and the star edge rusher is expected to depart in free agency, sources told Compare.bet.
The Cardinals cleared some cap space on Wednesday by releasing linebacker Jordan Hicks and restructuring the contract of linebacker Devon Kennard, but Jones is not expected to be the target of the newfound money.
If Jones’ market does not materialize and the team doesn’t land its priority signings, there may be a slight chance of a return to Arizona, but that would be a major surprise.
Jones, 32, had 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2021. He was named a Pro Bowler for the fourth time in his career. Jones has compiled 71.5 sacks in his six seasons with the Cardinals. He joined the team in 2016 after four years with the Patriots.
Players with 100 sacks and 30 forced fumbles in first 10 seasons:
DeMarcus Ware (127 sacks, 34 FF)
Chandler Jones (107.5 sacks, 33 FF)
Dwight Freeney (102.5 sacks, 43 FF)
Julius Peppers (100 sacks, 36 FF)*FF became an official stat in 1999#Cardinals pic.twitter.com/JctkTL8rBW
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) March 1, 2022
Jones has 107.5 career sacks and has shown the ability to play on the edge in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He is currently rated the No. 3 free agent available by Pro Football Focus, behind only Saints tackle Terron Armstead and Rams edge rusher Von Miller.
Miller reportedly wants to re-sign with the Rams and the Titans are re-signing Harold Landry, which should make Jones one of the highest-regarded pass-rushers on the market.
Jones long wanted an extension from the Cardinals and requested a trade last offseason because no progress was being made. Jones eventually played out the season with Arizona but is now expected to move on.
If it happens, the Cardinals will need to fill the hole his absence creates. Markus Golden is currently slotted in at edge rusher but Arizona does not have a starter on the other side.
