Lions Will Release Linebacker Christian Jones

In a cost-cutting move that will save the Lions over $2.5 million dollars on the 2021 salary-cap, linebacker Christian Jones is no longer going to be a part of Detroit's organization.

The #Lions plan to release LB Christian Jones, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2021

#Lions have re-signed DB Mike Ford.

In addition, the team announced that they have released C Russell Bodine and LB Christian Jones.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 8, 2021

When the Lions handed Jones a rare midseason contract extension back in 2019, many were left scratching their heads.

With a defense that ranked in the bottom third of the league, it was befuddling why then general manager Bob Quinn wanted to continue with the same personnel moving forward heading into a critical 2020 season.

It was no secret that Quinn and former Lions head man Matt Patricia had a very specific profile that they looked for in their linebackers -- big, have length and be able to play inside and occasionally on the edge.

Elite athleticism was not paramount to the aforementioned attributes.

Jones checked off a lot of the boxes Detroit was looking for, but the unit as a whole struggled to live up to lofty expectations.

Jones was set to earn $3.17 million in 2021. He played in all 16 games last season and made 13 starts.

During his tenure in Motown, Jones recorded 177 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Additional roster moves

It was also announced on Monday that offensive lineman Russell Bodine has also been released by Detroit and defensive back Mike Ford was re-signed.

Bodine did not appear in any games last season.

His release saves Detroit $850,000 in additional salary-cap space.

More from SI All Lions:

Report: Lions Are Shopping Quarterback Chase Daniel

All Lions Mailbag: Chances Everybody Is Wrong about Jarrad Davis

Podcast: Was Kicking the Can Down the Road with Jamie Collins a Mistake?

Jessica Larmony Is a Trendsetting Member of Lions' Front Office

Mock Draft Roundup: Do Lions Abandon Needs on Defense?

Get the latest Detroit Lions news by joining our community. Click "Follow" at the top right of our SI All Lions page. Mobile users click the notification bell. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @DetroitPodcast.