The Detroit Lions are being discussed as a potential landing spot for quarterback Daniel Jones, recently released by the New York Giants.
NFL experts believe Jones, a player who has struggled in his career but has shown potential, could be a good fit for the Lions, even though they have a solid starting quarterback in Jared Goff.
With a strong 10-1 record heading into their Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears, the Lions are performing well, but like any team, they could benefit from additional depth.
If Goff were to go down with an injury, the team would likely turn to backup Hendon Hooker, who, despite being promising, has yet to prove himself in an NFL game. This is where Jones comes into the picture.
Jones was recently released by the New York Giants and is now a free agent.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jones is interested in joining a playoff-contending team, with potential destinations including Baltimore and Minnesota.
Although Detroit may not be Baltimore or Minnesota, it is certainly a contender in the NFC and could be an appealing option for Jones.
Mike Payton, an NFL analyst for A to Z Sports, believes Detroit is the ideal place for Jones to get back on track.
Payton writes that, while Jones would not be replacing Goff as the starting quarterback, the Lions’ roster is strong enough to help Jones rebuild his career.
Detroit’s coaching staff, including head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, could provide invaluable guidance for Jones.
Payton suggests that if Jones thrives in Detroit, the Lions might even have a future trade asset on their hands.
Jones would likely serve as a backup quarterback in Detroit, providing the team with a solid contingency plan if Goff were to get injured.
In his 10 games this season with the Giants, Jones has thrown for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Payton stresses the importance of having a reliable backup, especially since Hooker is not yet ready to step in as a starter.
According to Payton, the Lions are aware of Hooker’s inexperience and would benefit from having a veteran quarterback like Jones as insurance.
Beyond his skills on the field, Payton also notes that Jones would fit well into Detroit’s team culture.
He points out that Jones is a “good guy” who, while having faced adversity, is not a disruptive presence in the locker room.
This is an important consideration for a team like the Lions, who have cultivated a positive, supportive environment.
Payton argues that Jones has simply been in the “wrong place” with the Giants and has the character to fit into the Lions’ culture, citing his comments after being benched as evidence of his maturity.
Brad Berreman, writing for SideLion Report, shares a similar view.
He sees the Lions as an ideal fit for Jones, particularly because the team offers the opportunity to learn and grow within a playoff-contending system.
Berreman acknowledges that Jones might want to go somewhere he can start immediately, but if his goal is to rehabilitate his career and develop in a supportive environment, Detroit could be his best option.
However, not everyone agrees that Detroit is the right fit for Jones.
Mark Powell of FanSided argues that the Lions have little need for Jones and doesn’t see a clear path to playing time for him in Detroit.
Powell suggests that Jones would want to start right away, something that may not be realistic in a team with a strong starting quarterback in Goff.
In summary, while some experts view Detroit as an excellent landing spot for Jones, others believe there are challenges to making it work.
Jones’ future will likely depend on whether he’s willing to accept a backup role and whether the Lions see value in bringing him into their already competitive squad.