Marvin Jones will suit up for the Lions, perhaps for the final time, when Detroit hosts the Vikings in Week 17. The impending free agent addressed his future with the team Wednesday, acknowledging that everything is “on the table.”
“We’ll see. I am a free agent,” said Jones, who has spent five of his nine NFL seasons with Detroit. “The free agent process is something I’ve very excited about it. We’ll see in March.”
It’s understandable why Jones, whose 68 catches this season represent a career-high, would be noncommittal about returning to the Motor City. The 6’2” wideout turns 31 in March and would be an odd fit for a team in the early stages of what could be a lengthy rebuild. Questions surrounding Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay (also a free agent) and a new coaching staff also loom large over the organization. Jones, who has never had the privilege of winning an NFL postseason game (0-4 lifetime), wasn’t ready to make any concrete pronouncements Wednesday, though the veteran seemed to indicate his preference to play for a contender via beat reporter Chris Burke.
Though never recognized as a true go-to receiver, Jones has been productive throughout his Lions tenure, compiling 281 catches for 4,116 yards and 34 touchdowns, the latter mark good for sixth in franchise history. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2017, eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving for the first and, to this point, only time in his career.
With Golladay slowed by a hip injury, Jones has taken on more of the Lions’ receiving load this season, leading Detroit in receptions (68), yards (798) and touchdowns (seven). His likely Lions swan song will come against a familiar foe in Minnesota, a team he has dominated throughout his career (41-537-7 in nine games).
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