Detroit Lions to sign another linebacker, lose Haloti Ngata
The Detroit Lions will reportedly add another free agent to their linebacker corps in former Chicago Bears veteran Christian Jones.
And the hits just keep on rolling for the Motor City as the Detroit Lions are reportedly set to add another linebacker to their growing defense via free agency on Wednesday. This time it’s former Chicago Bears’ linebacker Christian Jones.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Jones will signed a two-year deal with the Lions worth $7.75 million.
The 27-year old linebacker was an undrafted free agent out of Florida State back in 2014 prior to joining the Bears as a special teamer. Jones was expected to be a mid-round draft pick until he failed a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The #Lions signed former #Bears LB Christian Jones to a 2-year deal worth $7.75M, source said. He gets $2.8M signing bonus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
Last season, Jones posted a career-high 90 total tackles while starting 11 games in Chicago. He’ll join former New York Giants’ veteran Devon Kennard in Detroit’s revamped linebacker corps.
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Under new head coach Matt Patricia, Detroit figures to implement a flexible defensive scheme that could require four linebackers to play at once. Therefore, the Lions are placing a heavy focus on strengthening the position this offseason.
Unfortunately, linebacker isn’t the only defensive group that is going to require some attention as it’s being reported that longtime defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is set to join the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday. The Lions’ defense struggled mightily last season once they lost Ngata to a bicep injury in Week Five.
The now 35-year old Ngata played an important role for Detroit, securing the interior of their defensive line since signing with the team back in 2015. He spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.
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Without Haloti Ngata, the Detroit Lions will turn to former second round selection A’Shawn Robinson to help fill his massive void. Expect the Lions’ front office to also try to sign a free agent or two and possibly draft a defensive tackle in an attempt to replace the legendary defender.