The Denver Broncos are back to being a potential contender, and as a result, are expected to be relatively active in this year’s free-agent market.
With one of their biggest needs being edge rusher, one name they’ve been tied to is Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals. Thanks to a recent tweet from 850KOA’s Broncos insider, Benjamin Allbright, the buzz between Jones and the Broncos should only heat up from here.
I think the Broncos are…Jonesing… for an edge rusher next week.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 11, 2022
This builds on an earlier report from Jordan Schultz.
Chandler Jones’ market is about to heat up. #Seahawks, #Broncos, #Dolphins, #Falcons – among others – all eyeing the All-Decade performer, who only just turned 32. Im told Jones will command at least $15-18M on the open market. He wants to play for a contender.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2022
Jones is one of the top pass rushers and top free agents on the market this offseason. NFL Network’s Gregg Rosenthal ranked Jones as the ninth-best free agent available and the second-best pass-rusher, only trailing franchise legend Von Miller (ranked seventh overall).
Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus ranked Jones as the third-best available free agent and the second-best pass-rusher, again only trailing Miller at the position.
The new head coach of the Broncos, Nathaniel Hackett, also has past ties with Jones, dating back to his time coaching in college.
Chandler Jones played college ball at Syracuse where the offensive coordinator his last 2 years was…
Nathaniel Hackett.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 11, 2022
According to Allbright, Wilson and Jones also have a close relationship, dating back to their time spent together at the Pro Bowl.
They were at the Pro Bowl together on four separate occassions, and three of those times occurred following Jones’ arrival in the NFC (2017, 2019, and 2021).
If the Broncos are unable to land Jones though, there are still several different avenues the team could take to remedy their need at the position.
There’s the aforementioned Miller, of course, but Haason Reddick, Emmanuel Ogbah and Randy Gregory are other intriguing names set to hit unrestricted free agency that could upgrade Denver’s ability to pressure the quarterback.
For now though, it appears like Jones is the heavy favorite to be the veteran addition.
