Lions set to make a free agency splash with $90 million star pass rusher

With Super Bowl hopes for 2024, the Detroit Lions have the motive to make a significant move in NFL free agency.

According to Spotrac, the Lions have $54.2 million in cap space, which allows them to make a big statement acquisition. For those reasons, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts the Lions would target defensive tackle Chris Jones.

On March 1, Schatz identified Jones as the most crucial free agent the Lions should sign this offseason.

“Jones ranked second among all defensive tackles in pass rush win rate last season (19.6%), and he had the highest double-team rate at 72%,” Schatz stated in an email.

“If he makes it to free agency, he would be a huge addition to the Lions’ defense and could be the difference-maker who finally brings them to the Super Bowl.”

Jones is coming off his first two consecutive double-digit sack seasons. In 2022, he tied his career highs with 15.5 sacks and 29 quarterback hits. Then in 2023, he recorded 10.5 sacks and 29 quarterback hits again.

He was named first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons. Jones has also been a Pro Bowler for five straight years.

According to Spotrac, Jones has earned approximately $90.2 million in total over his NFL career. This summer, Spotrac projected him to be worth approximately $85.4 million on a three-year contract.