Free Agency Option One: Chris Jones, DT
This would be an absolute home run hire for the Lions. Jones is far and away a top three interior defender, and quite possibly the best overall defensive tackle in the NFL.
It is not a guarantee that Jones makes it to the open market as it has been widely speculated that the Kansas City Chiefs could either re-sign him or franchise tag him and then trade him. However, even if the Lions needed to trade for him, it would easily be worth the second-round pick they’d most likely have to give up for him.
In 2019, Jones played in 13 games (missing three to injury) and amassed 36 tackles, nine sacks, and a forced/recovered fumble. However, take it back to 2018 when he played all 16 games and he had 40 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Even though Jones will cost quite a bit of money, around $19 million per year according to Spotrac, his game-changing ability and disruptive nature are worth the money. If the Lions signed Jones, there is a reality where Motown has Jones, defensive end Trey Flowers, and defensive end Chase Young (drafted number three overall) manning the defensive line. That is a reality I want to live in.