Lions Are Invited to Take a “Luxury” Step for a $43 Million Kicker
The Detroit Lions’ three biggest needs heading into the offseason are guard, edge rusher, and cornerback. The NFL scouting team at Bleacher Report didn’t disagree. However, BR identified safety, wide receiver, and defensive tackle as additional positions on the roster that the Lions could address this offseason in an exercise designed to identify each team’s unsung needs. The BR team contended that veteran DaQuan Jones would make a good fit at defensive tackle.
Jones has two years left on his contract with the Buffalo Bills. In March, he will be free to sign with no restrictions.
The BR scouting department wrote, “Adding a veteran who can contribute right away would be logical given Detroit’s cap situation and open playoff window.” “While it would be a bit of a luxury move to pay to acquire a tackle like DaQuan Jones or Justin Madubuike, it would virtually eliminate Detroit’s front seven weaknesses.”
In his ten years in the NFL, Jones has earned slightly more than $43 million, according to Spotrac. His most recent contract with the Bills was for $14 million over two years.
He recorded 16 total tackles in 2023, including 4 tackles for loss. In seven games, he also recorded five quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
What the Lions Might Get from DaQuan Jones
Experts are urging Detroit to add a top edge rusher and make a major splash to strengthen their front seven. That is, ideally, the best thing the Lions can do.
However, going after Jones is less expensive and will still strengthen the front seven. Additionally, it will strengthen the Lions’ defense even more.
Jones has consistently been strong against the run even though he has never recorded more than 3.5 sacks in a season. The Bills placed fifth in run defense in 2022 with Jones starting 16 games.
As a result of Jones’ pectoral injury, which kept him out of 10 games in 2023, Buffalo fell to 15th against the run.
Jones recorded his highest run defense grade on Pro Football Focus since 2017 in 2023 when healthy.
Last season, the NFL’s second-best run defense belonged to the Lions.
Not that Jones wouldn’t be useful as a pass rusher either. Simply put, it’s probably not wise to rely on him for many sacks.
Despite playing in just seven games, Jones’ 2023 PFF pass rushing grade was the highest of his career. 2017 marked a career-high for him in terms of sacks.
It seems reasonable to anticipate that the Lions will make a major splash at pass rusher this offseason given the increased need for edge rushers and their over $48 million in cap space.
However, Detroit does possess contract extensions that it probably wishes to present to Amon-Ra St. Brown, the wide receiver, and quarterback Jared Goff. Penei Sewell, a right tackle selected recently, and other stars may also get extensions.
In light of the team’s additional needs at guard and cornerback, the Lions may decide to make a splash in the draft at edge rusher and use their free agency to bolster their defensive line’s interior.
Pundits have linked Justin Madubuike, who just finished a breakout fourth season, to Detroit. That same connection was made by Bleacher Report on February 19.
But this offseason, Spotrac estimated that Madubuike would be worth over $81 million on a four-year contract. Assuming he achieves free agency, that is. By putting the franchise tag on Madubuike, the Baltimore Ravens could keep him.
Jones might not present as much long-term potential. On a one-year contract, however, Spotrac estimated that his market value was $6.8 million.
The Lions have an underappreciated need for a new addition this offseason, and Jones’ production and probable contract desire make him a desirable addition.
