ESPN 'Bold Move' Has Lions Signing Chiefs Star Defensive Tackle
The Detroit Lions have the opportunity to make one splash free-agent signing this offseason.
With teams now aware that the salary cap increased by $30 million, general managers who have navigated signings responsibly can afford to take a chance or two on free agents.
ESPN recently suggested bold moves for all 32 teams ahead of the 2024 NFL combine.
For the Lions, upgrading the defense in the draft and free agency has been heavily discussed.
Writer Aaron Schatz suggested the Lions target one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL to bolster a unit that needs more pass-rushing prowess.
Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones is going to be among the most coveted free agents due to his ability to rush the quarterback.
"The Lions are in great position this offseason as a division champion that also has cap space to improve. As a result the Lions will probably be tied to every major free agent who's available, especially on defense," writes Schatz. "There will be talk about a lot of veterans joining the Lions to try to break the curse and get them to the Super Bowl. But the best choice would be a player who already has won three of them: Jones of the Chiefs."
Last season, the Lions ranked 27th in pass-rush win rate (35.8%). The constant double-teaming of Aidan Hutchinson and the injury to James Houston made Aaron Glenn's job more difficult figuring out how to generate pressure consistently without blitzing.
Jones, despite facing double teams, ranked second in pass-rush win rate (19.6%).
"The Lions could sign Jones and plug him right in as the 3-technique tackle with Levi Onwuzurike coming off the bench," Schatz continued. "Jones played a very high 73% of snaps in games where he was active last season, but everybody needs a breather every so often."
Undoubtedly, Jones would provide a big-time boost to Detroit's pass-rushing efforts.
