Detroit Lions: What to expect from T.J. Jones in 2018

The receiving corps for the Detroit Lions was considered very solid last season, and if they want to improve on that this season, T.J. Jones can contribute.

The key to success for every football team is improvement. Teams that can continually develop their players throughout their roster are the ones that stay on top. Depth within the roster is something every great football team needs, and the Detroit Lions are no exception.

Sadly, injuries affect every NFL team in some way, which is why depth is important. One of the reasons for Detroit’s team improvement over the past few years is starting to have that depth, as the third and fourth string players are just as important to develop as the stars.

That is why players like T.J. Jones are so important when attempting to build a dynasty here in Detroit. His persistence and willingness to do anything to help the team is the perfect attitude that everyone on the Lions needs to adopt.

Unfortunately, that team-first attitude did end up backfiring for Jones in 2017. A tackle he attempted to make on a fourth quarter punt return in Week 15 ended up placing him on the IR, bringing his most productive NFL season to an abrupt halt.

That injury towards the end of the season led to obvious uncertainty this offseason, as the Lions staff were unsure what to do with an injured Jones who was off of his rookie contract.

Fortunately for both parties, Jones and the Lions came to an agreement as Jones signed a 1 year, 1.9 million dollar deal, ensuring that he will return to the team for this upcoming season.

Lions fans will obviously be glad to Jones back this season, as he was just starting to break out in 2017. While 30 catches for 399 yards and a touchdown may not sound that impressive, they are more than enough and actually quite productive for a team’s fourth receiving option.

As eager as he is to get back on the field, Jones’ biggest focus this offseason should be healing up that shoulder so he can return to full form when Fall rolls around. As of now, he is still working his way up to 100 percent health during OTAs and is expected to be a complete participant for training camp later this summer.

Despite not being a full participant in OTAs, Head Coach Matt Patricia is impressed with what he has already seen in his time working with Jones, and can’t wait to see him improve even more this season.

"“He can do a lot of things different things for you, and do it at a high level,” Patricia told Tim Twentyman of Detroitlions.com. “You’re always trying to bring those guys back. He’s a good, young player that can go out and compete and hopefully help us.”"

What makes Jones a key cog in the Lions offense is his flexibility. He can play at any of the four receiving spots, knowing all the routes of Jim Bob Cooter’s offense after playing in it for mulitple years.

He proved that flexibility last season, as when rookie wideout Kenny Golladay missed five games, the Motor City offense didn’t miss a beat thanks to Jones.

Having Jones as that security blanket is such a luxury for the Lions, with his depth providing some relief in the injury-laden world that is the NFL.

After the 2018 season, Jones’ contract is up and he hits the market as an unrestricted free agent. Entering this contract year, Jones has another opportunity to prove that he can be more than an injury replacement.

As vital as he is to Detroit’s offense, former pro bowler Golden Tate is also entering the last year of his hefty contract. If Jones can prove to be a formidable option as the number two or number three option in the offense, the Lions may be able to let Tate walk, saving a lot of money and getting younger at the position.

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If there was any time for Jones to prove himself on a football field, it’s certainly this year. He’s on his way to getting healthy and still possesses a great work ethic. Most importantly, he’s happy to be a Detroit Lion again and can’t wait to see how far this can truly go, as he told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

"“I’m loyal to Detroit, it’s where I want to be,” said Jones in the interview. “I’m happy to be here, and I’m working to make sure that we’re better this year than we were last year.”"