The Davante Adams trade has gotten a lot of attention over the last few days and deservedly so. He’s the best receiver in the NFL and he’s been reunited with his college quarterback in Derek Carr. However, that might not even be the best move the Raiders have made this offseason.
In a recent article by former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, he said that Chandler Jones to the Raiders was the best free-agent signing in the league this year. Period. Here is a snippet of his thoughts via ESPN:
“He immediately makes Maxx Crosby better, as it’s hard to double-team two edge rushers at the same time. For the Raiders to get to where they want to go, they have to beat Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson and Justin Herbert in the AFC West. Having two difference-making defensive ends is a great way to improve.”
Jones has been one of the most productive defensive ends in the NFL over the last decade. Since 2013, he’s recorded 101.5 sacks in 123 games. He was named to the All-Decade Team for the 2010s by the Hall of Fame as he was a two-time All-Pro selection.
Even though Jones turned 32 in February, he is still among the best pass rushers in the NFL. And pairing him with Crosby, who led the NFL in pressures and quarterback hits last season, just makes too much sense.
The addition of Jones makes the defense for the Raiders much scarier as they have two bonafide stars rushing the passer. It’s hard not to get excited about watching Jones and Crosby rushing off the edge this season.
