The Detroit Lions have been named as a potential destination for embattled quarterback Daniel Jones, who was recently waived by the New York Giants. Jones, who is still under the second year of his four-year, $160 million contract, will likely go unclaimed during waivers due to the size of his contract. Once the waiver process ends, he will be free to sign with any team. Sources indicate that Jones will likely seek a playoff-contending team, preferring to play for a team in contention rather than one in rebuilding mode.
Multiple teams in the playoff race are expected to express interest in Jones, including the Lions. Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, is regarded as one of the most creative play-callers in the league, which could provide Jones with an opportunity to learn and develop his skills. Johnson’s reputation, alongside that of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, suggests that either coach could become a head coach in the near future. This could make Jones’ familiarity with their system valuable as he plans for his future.
Jones is expected to come at a relatively low cost once he clears waivers, with teams potentially only needing to pay the prorated amount of his $1.1 million veteran minimum salary. Additionally, signing Jones could benefit a team in the future by earning a compensatory draft pick in 2025, as noted by Nick Korte of Over the Cap. This gives teams an added incentive to bring him on board as a backup quarterback.
For the Lions, the idea of signing Jones makes sense given their current quarterback situation. While Hendon Hooker, Detroit’s second-year quarterback, showed promise in the preseason, he remains inexperienced. If starting quarterback Jared Goff were to go down with an injury during a critical moment of the season, the Lions might be left with a backup who is not yet ready for high-stakes games.
Although Jones has faced struggles in New York, his experience as a starting quarterback would provide Detroit with a more reliable backup option than Hooker, who is still developing. The Lions are positioned to contend for a Super Bowl, and adding a quarterback like Jones could provide much-needed insurance in case Goff gets injured. Given the low cost and the need for a dependable backup, it seems like a practical move.
One potential downside is that the Lions would have to use a roster spot on a third quarterback who may never see the field. However, this is a relatively minor concern compared to the possible benefits of securing a seasoned backup in the event of an injury to Goff. With their championship aspirations, the Lions are wise to bolster their depth at the quarterback position.
In conclusion, given Jones’ affordable price, the Lions’ current needs, and his desire to join a contending team, Detroit could be a logical fit for the former Giants quarterback. It remains to be seen if the Lions will pursue Jones, but the potential benefits make it a sensible option for a team with playoff hopes.
