The Chandler Jones Decision Could Come at Any Minute
Dustin Baker
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Although free agent “tampering” has been occurring since Monday, the official NFL free agency period opens Wednesday with several big-name players still needing new landing spots.
One of them is Chandler Jones, who’s teased his new team for the last 48 hours.
Minnesota Vikings fans’ interest was piqued when Jones, an All-Pro EDGE rusher, posted an Instagram video of himself two days ago walking into U.S. Bank Stadium. Often, social media “hints” are silly and lacking merit, but a man in a suit walking into the stadium of a different team — while he’s shopping for a new franchise — feels like a mini-smoking gun.
Since the start of 2015, Jones ranks second in the league for sacks (84.0), behind only Aaron Donald. Jones is 32 years old, but his production level is still upper-echelon, spending the last six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
And on Tuesday, the Vikings signed a former running mate of Jones‘, Jordan Hicks. Moreover, Minnesota could also bring back cornerback Patrick Peterson, another Cardinals alumnus. In theory, the Vikings could start three Cardinals from the 2020 team — Hicks, Peterson, and possibly Jones. Although, Hicks is the only one “guaranteed” to be a Viking in 2022.
Excitement for Jones is palpable because the Vikings need EDGE rushers. The team must decide on Danielle Hunter’s contract by Sunday, choosing to retain or trade him. Hunter is fantastic but has been plagued by injury since 2020, missing 79% of all Vikings games in the last two years.
Yet, a pairing of Hunter and Jones would be fearsome, assured to give opposing quarterbacks fits. Jones and Hunter sack quarterbacks aplenty, and the pair would instantly form one of the best EDGE combinations in the NFL.
The price tag for Jones is rumored about $16-$17 million per year. His decision in free agency should hit within the next couple of days.
Perhaps he’s waiting on the Vikings to clear cap space before going worldwide with the news.
Otherwise, the Vikings will be forced to target a different pass rusher in free agency, rely on D.J. Wonnum in 2022, or draft a Day-One starter like David Ojabo in April’s draft.
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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