The start of NFL free agency is just a couple of weeks away and many will be curious about what the Las Vegas Raiders do once that time begins. With head coach Antonio Pierce officially taking over and the team building some momentum down the stretch of the season, they have the chance to build off that into a postseason run in 2024.
One of the big moves the Raiders made during the season last year was claiming cornerback Jack Jones off waivers. He would appear in seven games for the Raiders and totaled 25 tackles, four passes defensed and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns.
Jones looks to be a potential keeper for the Raiders defense which showed promise last year and the corner wants to keep this same group going forward. Jones took to social media to address fans asking him to recruit free agents to join the team, but said that he doesn’t think they need to add anyone:
Fans telling me recruit these FA but I feel like that’s going against the guys. I believe In what we got, I don’t think we need to make any changes.
— Jack Jones🏄🏽♂️ (@presidentjacc) February 25, 2024
This is very much a player’s mindset as players grow close and establish real connections in the locker room when they are going through the fire together. There were undoubtedly some outstanding performances from the Raiders defense as a whole down the stretch, and Jones is right to believe in his group, but that shouldn’t prevent the Raiders from going out and adding players who can make them even better.
There is still room for improvement with this defense. The Raiders ranked 21st in the league against the run and were in the bottom-10 in the league in pressuring the quarterback, two areas that are crucial for success in the NFL.
Whether it is through the draft, free agency or trades, the Raiders still need to make some moves. Jones is right to believe in the group the Raiders have with Maxx Crosby leading the way and the likes of Divine Deablo, Robert Spillane and Tre’von Moehrig showing promise as well. But with the right moves, this defense could be special next season.
Maxx Crosby would love for Raiders to sign Chris Jones in free agency
One move the team could make that would be an absolutely massive one would be to sign Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones. He has arguably been the best player at his position the last two seasons and the Raiders bringing him in would not only help them greatly, but also hurt the rival Chiefs.
Jones and the Chiefs were unable to come to terms on a new deal last offseason leading to him sitting out their season opener so he may be looking to go elsewhere even after helping them to a Super Bowl. And if that place is Las Vegas to join the Raiders, Maxx Crosby would be all for it.
In a recent interview Crosby said he would take Chris Jones ‘in a heartbeat’ calling him one of the best in the game at what he does. And there is no doubt Jones would be an absolute game-changer in Las Vegas.