The Lions created plenty of excitement on Wednesday, adding running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin, and defensive lineman Jason Jones.
As Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press explains it, Jones is expected to start at defensive end. Which makes sense, given the departure of Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch.
If Jones indeed becomes a full-time starter, the deal is a steal for the Lions. Per a source with knowledge of the contract, it’s a three-year, $9.5 million deal, with a $2.5 million signing bonus.
In other words, the Lions will get Jones for three years at $1 million less than what the Lions paid Avril for 2012.
Before free agency began, the sense was that Jones’ primary role will be to join the nickel package and rush the quarterback from an interior position.
UPDATE 9:16 a.m. ET: A source with knowledge of the Lions’ plans tells PFT that Jones was signed not to be a starter, but to be the inside pass rusher in the nickel package.