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 more positions on the roster that the Lions might address this offseason in an exercise designed to find each team’s unsung needs. The BR team contended that veteran DaQuan Jones would be 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 noted, “Adding a veteran who can contribute right away would be logical given Detroit’s cap situation and open playoff window.” “Investing in a tackle like Justin Madubuike or DaQuan Jones would
In his ten years in the NFL, Jones has earned little more than $43 million, according to Spotrac. His most recent agreement with the Bills was a $14 million, two-year contract.
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 sign a top edge rusher and make a major splash to strengthen their front seven. That is, ideally, the finest 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.
Estimating Jones’s Upcoming Contract
It seems reasonable to anticipate that the Lions will make a major splash at pass rusher this summer given the increased need for edge rushers and their over $48 million in salary space.
However, Detroit does possess contract extensions that it probably wishes to provide to Amon-Ra St. Brown, the wide receiver, and quarterback Jared Goff. Penei Sewell, a right tackle selected recently, and other players may also get extensions.
In light of the team’s further 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 identical connection was made by Bleacher Report on February 19.
But this summer, Spotrac estimated that Madubuike would be worth almost $81 million on a four-year contract. Assuming he achieves free agency, that is. By putting the franchise tag on Madubuike, the Baltimore Ravens might 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.
