All Lions: Could Detroit sign Chris Jones?
Does Jones decide to move out of Kansas City?
With free agency approaching, the Detroit Lions are in need of defensive reinforcement.
Following a devastating end to the 2023 season, the Lions are desperate to climb the NFL ladder. By bringing in a top-tier defensive free agent, they might make significant progress toward that objective.
One of the top players expected to be available as a free agent is Chris Jones. Although he may choose to stay in Kansas City, one Sports Illustrated writer thinks Detroit is among the finest destinations for the great defender.
“After collapsing in the NFC championship game, the Lions will be more motivated than ever,” wrote Verderame. “And Detroit has an estimated $45 million in cap space this summer.Although Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson will receive part of that money soon, Jones is a compelling choice in this situation. It will be very alluring to have Hutchinson, Jones, and Alim McNeill along the defensive front, as Coach Dan Campbell like building along the lines.”
Additionally, Jones is connected to the group. Jones was chosen as the Chiefs’ general manager by John Dorsey, a front office member of the Lions. He may help lure the defender to Motown with that connection.
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O’HARA: What we learned from the Wild Card Round
With enough of the customary components in place, the Detroit Lions have assembled a successful club that can compete with any team in the league.
In terms of special teams, defense, and offense, the Lions are well-stocked across most position groupings.
They also go deeply into trust, a crucial intangible.
The coaching staff is trusted by the players. The players are trusted by the coaching staff. The participants also have faith in one another.
The Lions’ performance in their 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs taught us that.
The Lions never faltered from the moment they scored the game’s first touchdown to grab a 7-0 lead, which they never gave up until they completed the triumph with a quarterback pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth quarter.
It took a collective effort to resist giving in to any pressure, whether it came from Goff being compared to former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta fighting through a knee injury, or the Lions pulling off a spectacular game-ending performance.
Dan Campbell, the head coach, is our first stop for insight into how Goff and other players handled pressure.
Goff gained 277 yards and a touchdown on 22 of his 27 completions.
Campbell remarked, “I expected that out of him.” When you hear it occasionally, you probably feel a little special about it.
It wouldn’t seem to tighten him up. It may have even given him a slight lift.”
It was a football match between Goff and Stafford, not a one-on-one.
“I just kept going back to what this game was about,” Goff stated. “It concerned us. It has nothing to do with them. It has nothing to do with me. That has nothing to do with my past there. It has nothing to do with any coaches or players on their side.
“It was about us – about the 53 in this locker room.”