Linebacker Chandler Jones departed the Arizona Cardinals in free agency to sign a three-year, $51 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. He had a few options.
While it did not seem like the Cardinals showed a lot of effort to re-sign him, returning was always a possibility.
He spoke about his decision with reporter Jordan Schultz.
“A lot went into it honestly,” said Jones, according to Schultz. “We spoke with the Jets and Bills – others too – and I obviously thought a lot about staying with the Cardinals.”
Jones’ departure is perhaps the most impactful loss the Cardinals have suffered this offseason. He had 10.5 sacks a season ago and became the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks.
Why did he ultimately choose the Raiders? The contract obviously helped.
“I thought, ‘okay, here’s an opportunity to play with a young superstar in Maxx Crosby,'” he told Schultz. “I thought that would be really special. He’s a transcendent young player and I think pairing up with him would make it very difficult for teams to game plan us.”
There is also familiarity with Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and head coach Josh McDaniels.
In the end, “Vegas came in with a plan and offer that I couldn’t resist.”
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