The Detroit Lions’ top needs this offseason are cornerback, edge rusher, and guard. Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting group did not disagree. However, in an exercise identifying each team’s under-the-radar needs, BR identified safety, wide receiver, and defensive line as more areas of the roster that the Lions might improve this offseason. The BR team suggested that veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones would be a good fit.
Jones’ two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills is up. He will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
“Given Detroit’s cap situation and open playoff window, adding a veteran who can contribute right away would be logical,” the BR scouting department stated. “Paying to acquire a tackle like DaQuan Jones or Justin Madubuike would be a bit of a luxury move, but it would leave Detroit virtually free of weaknesses in the front seven.”
Jones’ 10-year NFL career has earned him slightly north of $43 million, according to Spotrac. His most recent contract was a two-year, $14 million deal with the Bills.
In 2023, he recorded 16 total tackles, including 4 for loss. He also has 5 QB hits and 2.5 sacks in seven games.
What DaQuan Jones Can Bring to the Lions
Analysts expect Detroit to make a significant statement in the front seven by adding an excellent edge rusher. In a perfect world, that would be the best decision the Lions could make.
However, pursuing Jones is a more cost-effective option that will still strengthen the front seven. It will also help the Lions improve their defensive strength.
Jones has never had more than 3.5 sacks in a season, but he has always been strong against the run. With Jones starting 16 games in 2022, the Bills were fifth in run defense.
Buffalo fell to 15th against the run in 2023, with Jones missing ten games due to a pectoral ailment.
When healthy in 2023, Jones had his highest Pro Football Focus run defense grade since 2017.
Last season, the Lions had the NFL’s No. 2 run defense.
It’s also worth noting that Jones may be a valuable pass rusher. He just isn’t likely to get many sacks.
Jones had the greatest PFF pass rushing grade of his career in 2023, despite only playing in seven games. His career high in sacks occurred in 2017.
Projecting Jones’ Next Contract
With edge rushers being a bigger need and the Lions having more than $48 million in cap space, it’s reasonable to anticipate them to make a huge splash at pass rusher this offseason.
However, Detroit has contract extensions that it is poised to offer quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Other recently drafted players, like as right tackle Penei Sewell, could also obtain extensions.
When combined with the team’s other needs at cornerback and guard, the Lions may be able to supplement the interior of their defensive line with a modest free agent move while making a splash at edge rusher in the draft.
Justin Madubuike, who recently had a great fourth season, is an intriguing choice for Detroit, according to analysts. Bleacher Report made the same connection on February 19.
However, Spotrac predicted Madubuike would be worth more than $81 million on a four-year contract this offseason. That assumes he becomes a free agent. The Baltimore Ravens might keep Madubuike by applying the franchise tag to him.
Jones may not have the same long-term upside. However, Spotrac forecasted his market worth to be $6.8 million on a one-year contract.
Jones’ production and likely contract demand make him an undervalued potential addition to an underutilized need for the Lions this offseason.
