All Lions: Could Detroit Sign Chris Jones?

Will Jones elect to leave Kansas City?

The Detroit Lions are in the market for defensive help as free agency draws near. 

After the 2023 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion, the Lions are yearning to get to the top of the NFL mountain. They could take a big step toward that goal by signing a top-tier defensive free agent. 

Chris Jones is among the best players slated to hit the free-agent market. While there's no guarantee he elects to leave Kansas City, one Sports Illustrated writer believes Detroit is among the best fits for the talented defender.

"After collapsing in the NFC championship game, the Lions will be more motivated than ever," wrote Matt Verderame. "And this offseason, Detroit has an estimated $45 million in cap space. While some of that money will be earmarked to pay Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson in the near future, Jones is an intriguing option here. Coach Dan Campbell loves to build along the lines, and the idea of having Hutchinson, Jones and Alim McNeill along the defensive front will be awfully enticing."

There's also a tie that Jones has to the organization. Lions front office member John Dorsey drafted Jones as the Chiefs' GM in 2016. With that connection, he could help draw the defender to Motown.

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Here are other storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions on Feb. 21. 

• The Detroit Free Press released its mock draft 1.0, with the Lions selecting Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. 
• CBS Sports tiered the NFL coaching staffs. The Lions were placed in the top tier, along with Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston and Kansas City.
• Pro Football Focus examined how each NFC and AFC North team should solve its problems this offseason. For the Lions, analysts Sam Monson and Steve Palazzolo suggested focusing on making upgrades to the defense.
• Yahoo! Fantasy Sports examined the possibility of Jameson Williams meeting his fantasy potential in 2024.