ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals LB Chandler Jones comes in at No. 15 in NFL Top 100

Jul 28, 2020, 7:30 PM | Updated: 11:02 pm

Arizona Cardinals LB Chandler Jones waves to the crowd during the team’s Red and White Practice S...

Arizona Cardinals LB Chandler Jones waves to the crowd during the team’s Red and White Practice Saturday, August 3, 2019, at State Farm Stadium. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

Despite 13 sacks, 18 QB hits, three forced fumbles and 49 tackles, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones was left of the NFL’s Top 100 players last season.

But after getting snubbed in 2019, the linebacker is back among the top ranks of the league, coming in at No. 15 on the list.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to most as Jones caused problems for opposing offenses on a regular basis.

In 16 starts last season, Jones recorded career highs in sacks (19.0) and pass deflections (5), a league-leading eight fumbles and 53 tackles, 11 of which were for losses. He also hit the quarterback 26 times.

The ranking is based on how players around the NFL felt about the athlete and how they performed the year prior.

Prior to last season, Jones had made the top 100 three times as a member of the Cardinals. In 2018, he was ranked as the 28th best player in the NFL after leading the league in sacks (17), tackles for loss (28) and quarterback hits (33) the season prior.

In Jones’ four years playing for Arizona, he has 60 sacks, which is eight more than any other player, per Pro-Football-Reference.

His 17 sacks in 2017 and 19 last season makes Jones one of two players to reach at least 17 sacks twice in the last 10 seasons, joining the Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.

Jones had those seasons after signing a five-year, $83 million extension prior to the 2017 season, leaving him under contract through 2021, when he will have a cap hit just over $20 million.

Jones joins fellow Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald (69), Kyler Murray (90) and Budda Baker (97) on the list.

And with Jones finally back among the league’s best, it looks like someone’s job is safe for at least another year.

Arizona Cardinals

Evan Brown chats pregame...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Who’s the frontrunner at left guard?

The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of candidates at starting left guard. But who is the best option moving forward?

11 hours ago

Michael Wilson looks on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Is Michael Wilson the unquestioned WR2?

Michael Wilson enters Year 2 as the Cardinals' likely candidate to secure the WR2 role behind Marvin Harrison Jr. Will anyone beat him out?

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Trey Benson and Jared Verse former teammates turned division rivals talk trash on Burns & Gambo

Trey Benson and Jared Verse former teammates turned division rivals talk trash on Burns & Gambo.

2 days ago

Jacob Roberts #40 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons attempts to tackle Trey Benson #3 of the Florida...

Kellan Olson

New Cardinals RB Trey Benson, FSU teammate Jared Verse banter as future opponents

Cardinals running back Trey Benson was asked about having to face his collegiate teammate Jared Verse. So then he handed the phone to Verse.

2 days ago

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson #DB64 of Texas Tech participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas...

Kellan Olson

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson manifested getting drafted ‘home’ by Arizona Cardinals

Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson felt a connection to the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-draft process and it came to fruition.

2 days ago

Tip Reiman runs the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Wolf or Tip? Cardinals rookie TE Tip Reiman prides himself on being a mauler

Arizona Cardinals 2024 third-round pick Tip Reiman isn't one to hide from contact. In fact, he welcomes it with open arms.

2 days ago

Cardinals LB Chandler Jones comes in at No. 15 in NFL Top 100