Who Should Be at the Top of Detroit's Wishlist in Free Agency?

Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones should get some hefty offers in free agency and one of them should be from the Detroit Lions

John Maakaron | Jan 4, 2020

If the Detroit Lions are going to make a splash in free-agency this offseason, they need to sign an impactful player to a big-time contract.

That player should be Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Jones was drafted by Kansas City with the 37th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. He is currently in the final year of his rookie contract.

He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Prior to the season, Jones held out during training camp. His holdout was unsuccessful, as it did not lead to a long-term extension.

DT Chris Jones- Kansas City Chiefs / © Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has come out and expressed that ongoing conversations have occurred between the organization and Jones' representatives regarding a long-term extension.

In four seasons, Jones has recorded 33 sacks, 136 tackles, seven forced fumbles and two interceptions.

The highest paid defensive tackles in the NFL earn north of $14 million per season. Jones will be looking to secure a hefty and long-term contract and Detroit should be the organization to give it to him.

The Lions defensive line was a unit that let the team down significantly all throughout the 2019 season.

Two starters could be gone if A'Shawn Robinson leaves via free agency and Damon "Snacks" Harrison retires due to injury.

A returning Da'Shawn Hand and Jones would immediately bolster a unit looking to compliment Trey Flowers, who was signed to a long-term contract last offseason.

Jones would be that disruptive force for years to come and could bring the defensive line a newfound swagger that was sorely lacking during Patricia's second season under the helm.

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Published Jan 4, 2020

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!