Chandler Jones Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders make decision on linebacker Chandler Jones

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Sep 30, 2023 5:00 PM ET

Las Vegas cut ties with linebacker Chandler Jones on Saturday, ending a sad, tumultuous tenure with the organization.

Raiders are releasing DE Chandler Jones, who was arrested yesterday in Las Vegas after a turbulent week, per a league source.

Jones has been away from the Raiders since Labor Day weekend and was placed on the NFI list on Sept. 20. He was arrested after allegedly violating a…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2023

On Thursday, Jones was arrested by Las Vegas police after he allegedly violated a domestic violence temporary restraining order.

Earlier in the week, he made troubling, unsubstantiated claims about Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels being involved in former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez's death. Hernandez committed suicide in prison in 2017 after being convicted of first-degree murder in 2015.

Jones' erratic behavior has drawn concern from several within the NFL. As NFL reporter Albert Breer wrote, "this one goes way, way beyond football."

The Raiders release of Chandler Jones from the non-football illness list is official now, per the wire. So Jones is done with the team after just 15 games. And obviously this one goes way, way beyond football. https://t.co/sxYImXbBc3
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 30, 2023

Darren Urban, a reporter for the Arizona Cardinals, with whom Jones played for from 2016-21, also expressed sympathy toward Jones.

Chandler Jones has been through something. Hoping he gets the help he needs. https://t.co/OMqaUm8bwg
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) September 30, 2023

Following his release, the Raiders said in a statement that they are "hopeful that Chandler Jones receives the care that he needs. He, his family, and all those involved are in our thoughts."

Raiders’ statement on the arrest of Chandler Jones: pic.twitter.com/dymZjAUc75
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 29, 2023

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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