Breaking: Las Vegas Raiders Release Chandler Jones Following Arrest
September 30, 2023, 03:45 PM ET – In a surprising turn of events, the Las Vegas Raiders have announced their decision to release defensive end Chandler Jones. The news came after a league source informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.
Jones’ release comes after a turbulent week for the player, which included multiple posts to social media. The 33-year-old was arrested on Friday in Las Vegas for allegedly violating a domestic violence temporary protective order.
The Raiders responded to the situation by releasing a statement on Friday expressing their hope that Jones receives the necessary care. The team stated, “He, his family, and all those involved are in our thoughts.”
Jones has been away from the Raiders since Labor Day weekend when he made a series of social media posts targeting the team, owner Mark Davis, general manager Dave Ziegler, and coach Josh McDaniels. Consequently, on September 20, the Raiders placed Jones on the non-football injury/illness list.
Earlier this week, Jones took to social media to reveal that he had been taken to the hospital “against my will” by the Las Vegas Fire Department. He claimed to have been later transferred to a behavioral health facility. Jones continued to post numerous messages on Thursday, including multiple live videos where he could be seen rambling about various subjects while sitting outside his home.
Having signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the Raiders last year, Jones was entering the second season of his deal. As a result of his release, the team will have to contend with approximately $12 million in dead money against the salary cap in both 2023 and 2024. In March, the Raiders restructured Jones’ contract to create extra cap space.
The team’s intentions regarding the recovery of any previously paid money to Jones, which may be permissible due to his placement on the NFI list, remain unclear.
Jones posted bond on Friday and is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, according to records from Clark County court.
The release of Chandler Jones undoubtedly leaves a void in the Raiders’ defensive roster. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team addresses this setback and moves forward without the disgruntled defensive end.