Sunday, Jul 25, 2021. 2:48 PM
All-star outside linebacker Chandler Jones has asked the Arizona Cardinals to trade him, according to US network ESPN.
Jones was not happy with the progress of the talks over a contract extension and he therefore missed team meetings.
According to sources, the Cardinals would not want to trade Jones and they would expect him to show up at training camp, which begins on Tuesday. Arizona also acquired JJ Watt a few months ago in order to have a prolific duo of quarterback fighters.
Despite the contract row, a source told ESPN that Jones is seen as a “great teammate” in the organization and should be a central part of the Cardinals’ defense this year.
Jones, 31, is due to pocket $ 15.5 million for the past year. He’s established himself as one of the best at applying quarterback pressure, registering 49 sacks from 2017 to 2019. An injury limited him to five games last year.
The Cardinals have paid large sums of money to other players, including a $ 28 million contract to JJ Watt. The Cards also granted wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL, as well as marauder Budda Baker.
The Cardinals acquired Jones through a trade with the Patriots in 2016.
