The Detroit Lions are riding high with an impressive 10-1 record heading into their Thanksgiving matchup against the Chicago Bears. While the team is firing on all cylinders, there’s always room to bolster their depth chart.
For instance, if starting quarterback Jared Goff were to face an injury, the Lions would likely turn to backup Hendon Hooker. However, Hooker has yet to demonstrate his capabilities in an NFL setting. This is where a newly available quarterback could make a difference.
New QB Option Could Fit Lions’ Culture Perfectly
Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hit the free-agent market on Friday after parting ways with his team. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jones is eyeing playoff contenders, mentioning Baltimore and Minnesota as potential destinations.
While Detroit wasn’t on that initial list, the Lions certainly qualify as playoff contenders. According to NFL analyst Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, Detroit is “absolutely the best spot” for Jones.
In a November 25 article, Payton emphasized that while Jones wouldn’t challenge Goff for the starting role, the Lions’ strong roster could offer him an ideal environment to rebuild his career.
“Dan Campbell, Mark Brunell, Ben Johnson, Tanner Engstrand, and even Goff himself could be invaluable in helping Jones get back on track,” Payton wrote. “If Jones develops, he could become a valuable trade chip down the line.”
Jones’ role in Detroit would likely be as a reliable backup quarterback. In his 10 games this season, Jones has logged 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Payton believes that adding Jones as a contingency plan makes sense for a team with championship aspirations.
“Jones is a great contingency plan,” he explained, noting that Hooker may not be ready to step in at this stage of his career. The Lions’ leadership likely recognizes this, according to Payton.
Just as importantly, Jones’ personality aligns with the Lions’ team culture. Payton praised Jones for being a team player with no history of causing locker room issues.
“This is a good guy who has simply been in the wrong place,” Payton said, adding that Jones’ comments after being benched showed his professionalism and resilience.
Why Daniel Jones Could Be the Ideal Fit for Detroit
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report echoed Payton’s sentiment, calling the Lions an “ideal fit” for Jones. He suggested that Detroit offers a unique opportunity for the quarterback to develop within a strong offensive system while contributing to a playoff-caliber team.
“Jones should ideally find a team where he can play immediately to rebuild his value for the offseason,” Berreman wrote. “But if he prioritizes joining a contender and learning within a supportive system, the Lions are arguably the best fit.”
Not everyone is convinced, though. Mark Powell of FanSided argued that Jones and the Lions may not be a perfect match. In a November 24 feature, Powell suggested Detroit has little need for Jones.
“I don’t see a path to playing time in Detroit for Jones, which is something he likely wants right away,” Powell stated.
The Debate Over Jones’ Future
The conversation surrounding Daniel Jones and the Detroit Lions highlights the complexity of roster decisions in the NFL. While analysts like Payton and Berreman see Jones as a valuable addition, others, like Powell, question the practicality of such a move. Whether or not Detroit explores this option, the debate underscores the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback on a contending team.
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