Detroit Lions

Could Daniel Jones Be the Backup Quarterback the Lions Need? Experts Weigh In

Detroit Lions considered a perfect destination for former Giants quarterback to rebuild his career as a potential backup.

The Detroit Lions are having a standout season, with a 10-1 record heading into their Thanksgiving matchup with the Chicago Bears. While their starting quarterback, Jared Goff, has been performing well, the Lions are still looking to solidify their depth, particularly in the event of injury. This is where free agent quarterback Daniel Jones, recently released by the New York Giants, could make an impact.

A ‘Good Guy’ Fit for Detroit’s Culture

Jones, a quarterback with 2,070 passing yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games this season, may not be in the best position after being benched by the Giants. But experts believe Detroit could offer him a fresh start. NFL analyst Mike Payton has stated that Detroit is “absolutely the best spot” for Jones, noting that while he wouldn’t replace Goff as the starter, the Lions have a strong team that could help him rebuild his career.

Jones’ leadership qualities could also be a major asset for the team. Payton points out that Jones is “not a locker room cancer or toxic or anything like that,” something that is especially valuable in the warm and supportive culture that head coach Dan Campbell has cultivated in Detroit.

A Solid Backup for the Lions

The Lions have Hendon Hooker as their backup, but Payton acknowledges that Hooker “isn’t ready for this yet.” This is where Jones could step in as a solid backup, providing depth and experience if Goff were to get injured. With his prior NFL experience, Jones would be a reliable contingency plan for Detroit.

If the Lions decide to bring Jones into the fold, his relationship with coaches like Campbell, Mark Brunell, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could be pivotal in his development. “Dan Campbell, Mark Brunell, Ben Johnson, Tanner Engstrand and even Goff himself could be invaluable for Jones to get back on the right track,” Payton adds. Jones may even become a potential trade asset in the future if his performance improves.

The Ideal Fit?

Brad Berreman of SideLion Report also sees Jones as a good fit for Detroit. While Jones might seek immediate playing time, Berreman argues that joining a playoff contender like the Lions could offer him the chance to grow and learn within an offensive system. Developing his skills in Detroit could help Jones restore his value heading into the offseason.

However, not everyone shares this optimistic outlook. Mark Powell of FanSided believes that the Lions may not have much use for Jones. He suggests that there may be no clear path to playing time for Jones in Detroit, something the quarterback would likely want as part of his next step.

Conclusion

The idea of Daniel Jones as a backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions has sparked some debate. While some experts see him as an ideal fit to bolster the team’s depth, others question whether he would get the playing time he desires. Regardless, with his experience and leadership qualities, Jones could be an intriguing addition to the Lions, providing the right environment to revitalize his career. As the Lions continue their strong season, Jones’ potential move to Detroit could be a decision worth watching closely.

 

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