Raiders news: Chandler Jones reveals why he signed with Las Vegas

Chandler Jones joining the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency signifies a huge addition to their defense and the team's desire to take advantage of their playoff berth from last season.

Las Vegas traded Yannick Ngakoue and released Carl Nassib, making room for the four-time Pro Bowler. Jones gave tons of reasons why he chose the Raiders to insider Jordan Schultz. One of them was Maxx Crosby, his pass-rushing partner who emerged as a true star last season with his first Pro Bowl selection.

.@chanjones55 tells me: “I thought, ‘okay, here’s an opportunity to play with a young superstar in Maxx Crosby.’ I thought that would be really special. He’s a transcendent young player and I think pairing up with him would make it very difficult for teams to game plan us.”

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2022

The chance to work with Crosby, a 24-year-old budding star, was too great to pass up. They FaceTimed each other right as Jones made his decision. Getting to work together on the field will give the Raiders' defense a strong edge presence.

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Jones added that he is a fan of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was an assistant coach on the New England Patriots during Jones' four years there. New head coach Josh McDaniels worked in New England when Jones was there, too.

.@chanjones55: “Patrick Graham is a great coordinator and he’s known me since the 1st day I came into this league. Having Josh McDaniels and my old #Patriots’ coaches there makes it feel like home to me, and I just know we can win there, which ultimately made my decision easier.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2022

Las Vegas went 10-7 last season despite abrupt scandals involving their head coach and key wide receiver. With a more focused team and big upgrades in talent, they should be able to reach that win total and get back to the postseason.

With the offense getting a huge boost after receiving Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers, the Raiders are looking to go big this season.