Ex-Raiders Cornerback Hoping For Another Chance After Disappointing Season

The Las Vegas Raiders had the strongest defense in the league during the second half of the 2023 NFL season. Under head coach Antonio Pierce, the unit was firing on all cylinders and helped the Raiders earned an 8-9 record despite poor quarterback play.

Unfortunately, it seemed like the team had only caught lightning in a bottle based on their dramatic fall from grace in 2024. Injuries certainly stacked up and hurt the group overall, but several players were not able to replicate their strong performances.

This caused Pierce to be fired after one full season at the helm. New head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek have already taken a wrecking ball to last year's four-win roster this offseason.

Former starting cornerback Jack Jones was waived by the team before the draft after an up and down campaign in 2024. He recently spoke on an episode of "The Pivot Podcast" and revealed that he is looking for another chance in the NFL.

"I’m just going to show up and prove it," Jones said. "Whatever team needs a corner is going to give me an opportunity, and I’m going to show up and prove it every day. I’m going to be the best guy on the field and the best guy in the film room.”

Jones was claimed on waivers by the Raiders with seven games left in the 2024 season, and he was an electrifying player for the secondary immediately. He had two iconic pick-sixes against Patrick Mahomes and the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football.

Despite recording 16 passes defended, three interceptions and another defensive touchdown last season, the new regime felt that he was too hit or miss to justify keeping him around. Jones also spoke about his need to improve in this realm. 

“It’s the day-to-day. It’s about being consistent,” Jones said. “I have to do that by showing up and proving it. I could sit here and tell you I’ll be perfect all day, that I’ll go 10-for-10 always. But without the work and effort and consistency, it’s all talk."

Jones has also dealt with a handful of legal issues over his football career and developed a bit of a reputation for not being the best teammate. He also acknowledged these accusations and is setting himself out to prove them wrong.

“I’m here for ball,” Jones said. “All the outside noise that I’m pretty sure they’re hearing that 'Jack is hanging out with the wrong group' or 'Jack doesn’t always make the right decisions,' I’m going to be there and prove it wrong. I’ll show up every day, put on my hard hat, close my mouth and get to work.”