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High-end pass rushers have recently hit the open market. One of them is going.
The Cardinals are not expected to apply the franchise label to veteran quarterback Chandler Jones, clearing a path for him wherever he chooses to go in free agency. A report on the team’s plans comes from Jan Rapoport of NFL Media.
This is not surprising. Given that Jones had a cap of $20.176 million in 2021, the rules made him eligible for a 20 percent raise and, in turn, a franchise tender (and cap) of $24.192 million for 2022. it’s hard to carry that number into the new league year.
Jones started his contract year with a bang, hitting five sacks in his first week. However, he served eight weeks before receiving another sack. He finished the regular season with a score of 10.5.
Either way, someone will pay him on the open market. Currently, the game is mainly about a great quarterback game and interrupting a great quarterback game. Great pass rushers can do this. Since many teams have a lot of money to spend and Jones has a recognizable name and undeniable skills, someone will pay Jones at the beginning of free agency – because someone always does.