The arms race continues in the AFC West.
The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a contract with free agent pass rusher Chandler Jones, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The contract is expected to be worth about $17 million per season.
The Denver Broncos started the fireworks in the division when they agreed to trade three players and five draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for quarterback Russell Wilson and a draft pick last week. Denver also signed pass rusher Randy Gregory.
The Los Angeles Chargers followed that up by acquiring pass rusher Khalil Mack in a trade with the Chicago Bears. L.A. also improved its defense by signing star cornerback J.C. Jackson during free agency.
And the Kansas City Chiefs, of course, already have a roster ready to compete for another title.
Jones (6-5, 265 pounds) was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Syracuse. He went on to play four years with the Patriots, winning Super Bowl XLIX following the 2014 season.
New England traded Jones to the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 and he later signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract extension with the Cards in 2017.
Through ten seasons in the NFL, Jones has totaled 195 quarterback hits, 107.5 sacks, 33 forced fumbles and 27 pass breakups. The 32-year-old veteran is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and one of the top edge defenders to hit free agency this year.
Jones has reached the playoffs five times in his career, four times with the Patriots and once with the Cardinals. He’s recorded eight QB hits, two sacks and one forced fumble in 10 career postseason games.
A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Jones totaled 26 QB hits, 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 14 games last season.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
