Chandler Jones Has Best Words Ever About Patriots Trade

Thus far nobody knows exactly what went down that caused Chandler Jones to be traded from the New England Patriots.

Some believe it was concerns over his off-the-field problems. Others think it was purely money-related. Perhaps it was a little of both. Either way many were scratching their heads when the Pats so willingly let their best pass rusher walk out the door when they dealt him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for guard Jonathan Cooper and a 2nd round pick.

Neither the team nor the player have had much to say on the subject. Until now that is. After a long silence, Jones finally opened up about his reaction to the news he was traded. To say it was a bit out of left field would be a classic understatement.

"“I didn’t get a chance to speak to (Belichick) (the day of the trade) — he was on a flight or something,” Jones told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. “But I called him the next day and said, ‘Hey, you could’ve traded me to any other team, so thank you for not trading me to a crappy team.'”"

Word is Belichick laughed when he heard that. A coach who always had a great sense of humor, despite what rumors may say. It’s also an indication that Jones is quite happy with where he’s landed. The Arizona Cardinals are a Super Bowl contender with a head coach in Bruce Arians who brings a style that players love. Throw in the warm sunshine of the southwest and it’s easy to see why a player might be more accepting of the move.

This development may not excite some in the media, who always love a good feud between a player and his former team but it certainly sets up an interesting 2016 season. The Cardinals have acquired a pass rusher in Jones who produced 12.5 sacks last year. He’s 26-years old and in his prime. Time will tell if the Patriots made a mistake letting him walk this soon rather than waiting a few more years.