Minnesota Could Be New Home for All-Pro Pass Rusher
The Minnesota Vikings defense took an uncharacteristic nosedive on defense when the 2020 season began. From 2014 to 2019, the Vikings defense ranked second via points allowed in six cumulative seasons, tumbling to 27th in the same metric during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
This was the primary reason head coach Mike Zimmer was terminated. The defensive coach failed to foster an at-least-average defense.
Alas, a new regime took over, pivoting the defense to a 3-4 scheme, a system the Vikings have used in just one season out of 61. And with that new defensive setup, new faces will be needed.
One of those men might be Chandler Jones — if one buys into his social media behavior.
Jones, 32, posted a video of himself on Instagram strolling into U.S. Bank Stadium wearing a spiffy suit. Normally, those types of “clues” are for the birds (for example, players “liking” certain posts about trade destinations or athletes scrubbing their profiles of team logos to show disgruntlement).
But a full video of a free agent strutting into a stadium that is not his home team’s is a wee bit telling.
Since the start of 2015, Jones ranks second in the NFL in sacks (84.0), trailing only Aaron Donald in the metric. Although “up there” in age, his production level is still upper-echelon, spending the last six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Here’s Jones’ Pro Football Focus resume:
- 2012 = 76.4
- 2013 = 68.3
- 2014 = 70.2
- 2015 = 78.6
- 2016 = 87.1
- 2017 = 81.0
- 2018 = 72.3
- 2019 = 86.0
- 2020 = 62.6
- 2021 = 70.4
Jones was selected in the 1st Round of the 2012 NFL Draft, eight picks before Vikings safety Harrison Smith.
Throughout most of his career, Jones has been known for balancing his run-stopping talents with rushing the passer. As of late, though, he’s leaned heavier on rushing the passer than stopping tailbacks.
Jones, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, should cost about $16-$17 million per season. So, if the Vikings do find a way to land the EDGE rusher, they’ll have to pull a rabbit out of a hat financially.
Minnesota needs pass rushers. For now, the team employs Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and developmental players. If Jones is not signed, the Vikings would likely explore April’s draft for men who can rush the quarterback — a more afforable veteran free agent.
The Vikings have about $2.5 million in cap space as of the morning of March 15th.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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