Raiders HC addresses Chandler Jones' Week 1 status after social media outburst

Jones made waves on Tuesday with a social media tirade directed at McDaniels and the Raiders organization. In a flurry of since-deleted Instagram stories, Jones ranted about his inability to access the team's gym and claimed he no longer wants to play for the Raiders as long as McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler are employed.  

Warning: The following tweet contains explicit language: 

In his prime, Jones was one of the most lethal edge defenders in all of football. His 112 sacks since entering the NFL tie him with Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller for the second-most leaguewide over that span. However, now 33 years old, Jones is no longer the dominant force he once was in the pass-rushing department, leaving little wiggle room for the type of antics he displayed this week. 

After inking a three-year, $51 million contract with the Raiders last season, Jones collected just 4.5 sacks in 15 starts. His 2022 campaign marked the second season in three years where he's produced fewer than 5.0 sacks. Before an injury-riddled 2020 season where Jones appeared in just five games for the Arizona Cardinals, he had five consecutive seasons of at least 11.0 sacks. 

With two-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby at one defensive end and No. 7 overall pick Tyree Wilson seemingly selected as Jones' eventual successor, Jones' time in Sin City appears to be winding down. 

Despite his recent flare-up, Jones would likely garner interest should the Raiders decide to cut ties with the 11-year pro. The New England Patriots, who originally drafted Jones, would be an intriguing fit. 

With multiple 11.5-plus sack artists in Matt Judon and Josh Uche at the Pats' disposal, Jones could serve as a nice depth piece in Foxborough with little pressure to reprise his dominant form from the mid-to-late 2010s.