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    Arizona Cardinals introduce safety Antoine Bethea

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Chandler Jones’ second major press conference as a Cardinals went much smoother than his first. When he arrived in Arizona via a trade the Patriots a year ago, Jones called himself a New England Cardinal.

There was no such gaffe on Friday when Jones met with reporters after signing a five-year contract that includes $53 million in guarantees.

“I’m excited,” Jones said. “Every interview I’ve had since I’ve been here, everyone’s asked me, ‘how long are you going to be here? You’re going to be a free agent, you going to test the market?’ It’s all over. Today’s been a great day.”

RELATED: Cardinals, Chandler Jones finalize 5-year contract

Last March, the Cardinals traded guard Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick in the 2016 draft for Jones, hoping he could bolster their pass rush. He did, finishing with 11 sacks, second on the team behind fellow outside linebacker Markus Golden, who had 12.5.

The Cardinals led the NFL with 48 sacks, and signing Jones, 27, to a long-term deal was a priority this off-season.

“The sky’s the limit for our pass rush,” Jones said. “I feel like last year, we just scratched the surface. Markus is a tremendous player and he’s young. We learn from each other, even though we have different body types.”

RELATED: First day of free agency brings roster makeover for Cardinals

Free agency is only two days old, but the Cardinals already have lost three starters on defense. Tackle Calais Campbell left for Jacksonville. Safety Tony Jefferson signed with the Ravens, and safety D.J. Swearinger agreed to terms with Washington.

Campbell’s ability to rush from inside benefitted Golden and Jones, and it won’t be easy compensating for his loss.

“Those guys will be missed for sure,” Jones said. “But as a player, being here for one year, I really trust our front office…that we’ll get the guys to take us where we need to be.”

MORE: Complete NFL free agency coverage

Last season, Jones kept a low profile with teammates, figuring it was not his place to say much in his first year with the team. That will change this season, he said.

“I didn’t want to be the new guy coming in calling guys around,” he said. “You’ve got great leaders in Calais and Patrick Peterson and Tyrann (Mathieu). Now that I have a year under my belt and I have those guys’ respect and trust, I feel I can be more verbal.”

On Thursday, the Cardinals signed safety Antoine Bethea, who spent the previous three years with the 49ers. On Friday, they are expected to announce that inside linebacker Karlos Dansby is returning for his third stint in Arizona.

MORE: Pro athletes with longest tenure in Arizona

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