After the New England Patriots released cornerback Jack Jones, the Las Vegas Raiders added him off waivers, and it
proved to be one of their most significant pickups of the 2023 campaign. Although Jones had some baggage going
into his first season in 2022, he displayed glimpses of his potential as an impact player.
At the time, Jones had been Antonio Pierce’s head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic during his high school career.
Pierce was the Raiders’ interim head coach. The coach claimed that although there were significant reservations
about signing Jones, Pierce was so sure of the cornerback that he was prepared to risk losing his position in order to
do so.
come across.” In the podcast “All Facts No Brakes” episode from February 8, Pierce stated, “I said, ‘Champ, he can
help us.'”Aww, man, I don’t know, [Champ] remarked. He has a great deal of baggage. “Oh, I know,” I replied. I’ve
been here for everything, so trust me. I then visited Mark Davis. “I don’t know A.P.” he said. Do you want to do that
right now?
After letting everything sort of ride for a few hours, I went downstairs to finish my schoolwork, watch some more
movies, do some more research, and then I went back upstairs. It wasn’t about asking this time. I’m banging away at
the table. You know what, I said? I know what I’m getting with Jack Jones, so if we screw this up, get rid of both of us
at the end of the season. I really believe in him.
Jones’ acquisition proved to be a wise move as he gained entry into the starting lineup, recorded two interceptions,
and scored two touchdowns on defense.
few off-field problems, he eventually transferred to Arizona State, where he was reunited with defensive coordinator
Antonio Pierce. Pierce still has faith in Jones despite the fact that he has experienced his fair share of problems off
the football field. Pierce stated, “Jack is not a bad young man first and foremost.” He is a paternal figure. He
obtained his degree from ASU. He made choices that, at some point in our lives, we all regret having made. He has
never caused harm to anyone. He hasn’t done something so heinous that it would warrant his imprisonment. He will,
however, perform at his best when placed in a setting and culture where he can learn, be led, groomed, hugged,
loved, and disciplined—and where you can continue to repeat that cycle with him. And that’s exactly what you
witnessed throughout the last six or seven weeks of his stay with us. For he is a challenge on the field—but in a
positive way.”
If Jack Jones plays as well as he did in 2023, the Raiders may have a long-term cornerback in their lineup. The team
has had difficulty finding a reliable cornerback for several years. One of the NFL’s best slot cornerbacks is Nate
Hobbs, and Amik Robertson had a significant season of growth.
The Raiders have a very good trio of young cornerbacks if they can re-sign Robertson. It’s likely that the team still
needs a real No. 1. They might have one of the top secondaries in the NFL if they could bring in a player like Jaylon
Johnson.
