One of the most important players for the Raiders during the 2023 season is Chandler Jones. The Raiders are paying him a ton of money to be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and they desperately need him to play up to that contract this year.
After a lackluster 2022 season, Jones appears to be in fantastic shape as he is ready for a bounce-back season. In a recent article by Vic Tafur of The Athletic, he reported that Jones is down to 250 pounds after being listed at 260 pounds during the 2022 season.
Here is what Jones had to say about dropping weight ahead of his age-33 season:
“I’m a little lighter this year. I feel a little faster, a little bit stronger, but I’m just trying to perfect my craft.”
As players age in the NFL, the ones that can usually prolong their careers are ones that can drop weight to keep their quickness. Players such as DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, Julius Peppers, and countless others have used this strategy to keep playing at a high level.
A lighter, more athletic Jones should be a much more productive player for the Raiders this season. And with the addition of Tyree Wilson, the Raiders might be able to get Jones more of a rest during games to keep him fresh for the entire season. Look for Jones to have a bounce-back season in Year 2 with the Raiders.
