Free-agent defensive tackle Justin Jones agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday on a three-year, $30.1 million deal with $19.75 million guaranteed, according to a source. Jones, a former third-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018 out of North Carolina State, just had the best two seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears in 2022-23 after playing his first four seasons in LA. The 27-year-old finished the 2023 campaign with 49 tackles (29 solo), a career-high 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits and four passes defensed in 17 starts. Jones earned more playing time in Chicago and should become an integral part of Arizona's interior defensive line moving forward, although he's not on the IDP fantasy radar.
Bears Sign Justin Jones After Larry Ogunjobi Deal Falls Through
The Chicago Bears are signing former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Jones to an undisclosed deal on Friday, according to a source. The deal comes after the Bears deal for defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (foot) fell through due to a failed physical. Chicago had previously agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the 27-year-old. Jones, 25, was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2018 out of North Carolina State. He had a career-high three sacks while adding 37 tackles (19 solo), five tackles for loss, five QB hits and two fumble recoveries for the Chargers last year in 11 starts.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Justin Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Raiders, the third consecutive contest that he will be unavailable for. The Chargers defense has struggled mightily against the run in the early portion of the season, yielding a whopping 170 yards rushing per game (last in the NFL). While Raiders' running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is currently questionable to suit up, Los Angeles' defensive unit is a no-go from a season-long perspective, especially in the wake of Jones' absence and a potential injury sustained to linebacker Kenneth Murray (leg) during practice Saturday. Jones' next chance to return comes Week 5 vs. Cleveland.
Justin Jones Will Miss Week 3 Matchup Against Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Justin Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest vs. Kansas City. Since starting Week 1 and playing just 16 defensive snaps, Jones has been unable to get back onto the field for what could be an impactful L.A. D-line with all parties healthy. With Joey Bosa (ankle) currently questionable to play, the Chargers brought up Joe Gaziano and Emeke Egbule from the practice squad. In the case of Jones' absence, look for Christian Covington to see a larger role after he played in 69% of defensive snaps last week. The Chargers defense is in a must-avoid spot this week with or without Jones (or Bosa) as they take on the explosive Chiefs offense, which is led by Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Co.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Justin Jones is getting some seriously high praise so far in training camp. Jones isn't a well-known name when guys like Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are around, but Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey told reporters this week that Jones is "probably our most improved football player from year one to year two, and you can tell." Jones reported entering camp 21 pounds leaner than last year thanks to a new diet that focuses more on fruits and vegetables, and he credits a lot of his improvement on the field to tapping the knowledge banks of teammates like Bosa, Ingram, and others. If Jones can be a strong contributing member of the D-line rotation, the Chargers defense could be something really special this year.
