The Arizona Cardinals invested in Chandler Jones, how does the future impending salary cap of 2017 fit into this spectrum? Let’s discuss.
When Wednesday came to the sunset of Arizona, many thought that the quiet yet mystical approach the Arizona Cardinals was beyond cautious, as the Cardinals had only added one new player to their roster, while also hosting two other players, Leon Hall and Amini Silatolu (as far as we know). Then a mid day surprise that many fans weren’t expecting, and we rejoiced as all fans should. The long awaited “pass-rush” that Steve Keim assessed as a weakness would finally be handled, and a new player would come to the Arizona Cardinals.
Mr. Chandler Jones, a young and talented pass-rusher who has been prolific throughout his tenure with the New England Patriots, was changing teams. The Arizona Cardinals swapped a second round selection (61st Overall Selection) and the talented yet injury-prone young man, Jonathan Cooper.
The payoff could be immense, as the Arizona Cardinals weren’t strong enough to keep up with the Carolina Panthers, but a new day arrived for the Cardinals. Chandler Jones is a fluid pass-rusher with tremendous hip-flexion and a tireless work ethic, with the pairing of Jones and a young center-piece in Markus Golden, the duo could provide trouble to opposite offensive lines. Don’t even mention Calais Campbell, a pro-bowl defensive end who is only getting better, and the defense could attack from multiple spots.
The problem that all analysts have with Chandler Jones is that he essentially seems like a one year rental that is here for the Super Bowl opportunity, then he will dip for a franchise like the Browns or the Rams, teams who have a great deal of cap space. I get the sudden scare that all fans feel, as the Cardinals don’t just have Chandler Jones to worry about resigning, but they also have Calais Campbell, Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald, Tony Jefferson, Kevin Minter, Frostee Rucker, Jermaine Gresham, D.J. Swearinger, Jaron Brown, Earl Watford, Chris Clemons, and most importantly Tyrann “Honey-Badger” Mathieu. The thing that a lot of people fear is that the Arizona Cardinals will not have the cap space to resign the core guys. Wrong.
Next: Where does it all start?