Marvin Jones: Jameson Williams Is 'Going To Be Great'

Marvin Jones believes second-year pro Jameson Williams brings "pure speed" to team's offense.

“Reunited, and it feels so good.”

Those lyrics from Peaches & Herb’s 1978 hit single "Reunited” basically sum up how wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. feels as he enters his second stint with the Detroit Lions.

Jones, who inked a one-year deal with Detroit earlier this offseason, first suited up with the Lions from 2016-2020. 

During that span of time, he became a go-to target for former Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, and went on to record three seasons of 900-plus receiving yards (2016, 2017 and 2020). Additionally, during the ‘17 campaign, he produced his only 1,000-yard receiving season as a pro, accumulating 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games.

Even though the roster has seen plenty of turnover since he last took a snap in a Lions uniform, Jones still definitely feels like he’s back where he belongs.

“(It) definitely feels like I’m back home,” Jones told reporters Tuesday, on Day 1 of mandatory minicamp for Detroit. “Even though it’s a different squad, a different mentality, it still feels like I’m back home.”

Jones is rejoining the Lions after spending the last two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Similar to the Lions, the Jaguars are a team on the rise. Unlike Detroit, though, Jacksonville made the playoffs in 2022 (and won a playoff game), which was the organization’s first playoff appearance since the 2017 season.

Jacksonville might have also turned around its fortunes a season ago after losing to Detroit in Week 13. After dropping that contest, the Jaguars reeled off five straight wins, en route to capturing the AFC South division crown.

Jones, for one, sees plenty of parallel between the current state of the two aforementioned franchises.

“There were teams, kind of just like us with the Jags, you know, that had a rough stretch. Lost some close games and then ended up turning it around. And, I think our game last season (between the Jaguars and the Lions) was like the turning point, unfortunately,” Jones said, as he chuckled. “But, it was a turning point for both of us. I don’t think we lost after that.

“But, yeah, they (the Lions) were a tough team, and you could tell in that second half of the season, that they were a different team. Less mistakes, more aggressive and stuff like that. They believed in each other. So, I think that’s what we see right now.”

Jones, who will be 33 come the start of the 2023 campaign, might not be the same caliber of receiver as he once was. However, he still possesses plenty of ability, and will be counted on to be a reliable target for Jared Goff in the Lions’ passing game.

In his two seasons with the Jaguars, Jones produced 119 catches for 1,361 yards and seven scores.

In his second stint in Detroit, he’ll be expected to not only contribute, but also to serve as a mentor to the team’s young group of wideouts, including second-year pro Jameson Williams.

Jones, like the Lions organization, has high hopes for the Alabama product.

“I mean, just pure speed. The speed is crazy. That’s what, that’s one thing that does (stick out),” Jones said, when commenting on what Williams brings to the Lions’ offense. “And, I mean, he (Williams) wants to get it done. So, yeah, he’s going to be great.”