5 potential replacements for Cardinals LB Chandler Jones in 2022

Melvin Ingram

• Age:
  • 32-years-old
• 2021 Stats (with Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs):
  • 15 games
  • 25 tackles (4 for a loss)
  • 22 pressures, 11 QB hits, 2 sacks
  • 1 forced fumble

If the Cardinals are looking for a replacement for Chandler Jones that has plenty of NFL experience, then Melvin Ingram could be their guy.

Ingram developed into a dangerous pass rusher in nine seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his last two years in the NFL with the Chargers, Steelers, and Chiefs showed signs of his time in the league nearing the end.

At the same time, if Arizona is looking for a veteran pass rusher to replace Jones who probably isn’t going to cost much (signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Pittsburgh in 2021), then Ingram could be an option.

Jadeveon Clowney

• Age:
  • 29-years-old
• 2021 Stats (with Cleveland Browns):
  • 14 games
  • 37 tackles (11 for a loss)
  • 32 pressures, 19 QB hits, 9 sacks
  • 2 forced fumbles

Is it possible to be overrated and underrated at the same time? Because both words would describe the career of Jadeveon Clowney in the NFL.

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Clowney entered the league with massive expectations. In his eight seasons, he’s had a solid career that’s included three Pro Bowl selections. But he hasn’t been able to reach the gigantic heights that some expected from him when he was drafted in 2014.

Still, he can add a lot of value to a defense, as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. He signed a deal with the Browns worth $8 million last year, and if he’s okay with making a similar amount in 2022, he’s someone the Cardinals should consider adding to help make up for the anticipated loss of Jones.