Raiders release DE Chandler Jones after arrest

The Chandler Jones situation is set to come to an expected conclusion. The veteran defensive end is being released by the Raiders, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move is now official, per the transactions wire.

The move comes after Jones was arrested in Las Vegas for two violations of a domestic temporary restraining order Friday. That, in turn, marked the latest chapter in an off-field saga that has prevented the four-time Pro Bowler from seeing game time in 2023, the second year of his Raiders deal. Jones had been on the team’s NFI list prior to his release.

Jones went public with his criticism of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler at the start of the month, something that was sparked by Jones being locked out of the team’s facility when attempting to work out. The situation has escalated quickly since then, with the 33-year-old adding he did not want to continue playing for the organization so long as the ex-Patriots tandem remained in place.

As his absence lasted deeper into the campaign, it seemed increasingly likely the Raiders would elect to move on from Jones in response to his situation. The two-time All-Pro cautioned against the chances of that, however, when alleging owner Mark Davis is keeping a “huge secret.” No further details have emerged on that front, and it will be interesting to see if any will moving forward now that Jones is no longer with the team.

The former Patriots and Cardinals starter said earlier this week that he was recently taken to Seven Hills Behavioral Health Hospital “against my will.” In spite of that, the Raiders were thought to be open to a return to the field on Jones’ part at some point down the road. Instead, they have decided to put an end to his tenure in Sin City, which was marked by underwhelming statistical performances prior to recent events.

Attached to a three-year, $51M deal signed in free agency last year, expectations were high for Jones upon arrival in Vegas. He recorded only 4.5 sacks and three tackles for loss across 15 games in 2022, however, leaving him with plenty of room for improvement this season, something that will not come to pass. His release will create roughly $12.2M in dead-cap charges in 2023 and ’24, Schefter notes.

Maxx Crosby remains in place as the anchor of the Raiders’ edge-rushing contingent. First-round rookie Tyree Wilson — whom the team planned to use in a rotational capacity alongside Jones early in his career — will likely be in line for an increased workload with a return for the latter no longer an option. Wilson has logged a 40% defensive snap share so far, totaling three tackles in as many games. Jones, meanwhile, will begin a stint in free agency which will no doubt last for some time given his current situation.