Cardinals Team President Michael Bidwell Claims They Will Franchise Tag Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones isn’t going anywhere this offseason. Arizona Cardinals team president Michael Bidwell has made it very clear that the Cardinals will place the franchise tag on Chandler Jones via “Doug and Wolf” show on Arizona Sports 98.7.

“We’re not going to mess around with that,” Bidwill said. “He’s a great pass rusher, but if we can’t agree to terms that work for us, we’re just going to franchise him. His people know that.”

Jones was acquired from the Patriots last offseason for Jonathan Cooper and a 2nd round pick. So far it seems like Arizona is the clear winners of that deal after Jones racked up 11 sacks in 2016. Jones is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason but the franchise tag will allow the Cardinals to keep him for another year.

Arizona also has to work on long-term deals for Calais Campbell and Tony Jefferson. Arizona was unwilling to let Chandler Jones hit the open market fearing a team with an abundant amount of cap space would overpay for his pass rushing services.