The Raiders have been focused on possible fits at quarterback, but there are a few other voids on this club. The official start of the NFL season is just one week away, which means that free-agent contracts may finally be signed. One of them is the interior defensive line, and by making a significant acquisition in the form of signing Chris Jones, a free agent from the Chiefs, the Raiders defense may be able to deliver a double-whammy there.
The Chiefs decided against assigning Jones a franchise tag, but they are still trying to find a way to re-sign him. However, the Raiders would not only increase their chances of winning the Super Bowl in 2024, but they would also seriously hurt the hopes of the reigning champions, if they could persuade him to move to Las Vegas and lead a defense that made significant progress during the previous season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones will have two “landing spots” (with the Bears) with the Raiders in free agency.
The Raiders defense was at its best in the second part of the season, but several important interior defensive line players are still unrestricted free agents. Maxx Crosby and Chris Jones together would quickly establish themselves as one of the league’s greatest tandems, the website stated last week.
Raiders Defense Closed ‘On a Tear’
Jones is in high demand. Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports, and The 33rd Team rank him as the best free agent available this year, an unusual ranking for an interior defensive lineman. But at 29 years old, Jones still possesses the consistency and ability to control a game.
Although he won’t be an inexpensive addition, the Raiders have enough cap room to complete a deal. While Spotrac pegs his deal at three years and $85.5 million, or $28.8 million, PFF believes he is worth a four-year contract worth of $120 million, or $30 million annually.