A four-time Pro Bowl player is rumored to join the Lions as Aidan Hutchinson’s new running mate.
The Detroit Lions, once the perennial underdogs of the NFC North, are rapidly reshaping their identity under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. A playoff win, an NFC Championship Game appearance, and the rise of a young, fearless defense have cemented Detroit as one of the league’s most promising franchises. Now, the buzz surrounding the team has reached new heights with rumors swirling that a four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher could be headed to the Motor City to join forces with star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Though nothing has been finalized, multiple sources close to the situation suggest the Lions are seriously pursuing veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones, a player with 112 career sacks and a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier edge defenders over the past decade. If the move materializes, it would signal Detroit’s commitment to not just competing—but dominating.
Aidan Hutchinson has lived up to the hype since being selected second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. In just two seasons, he’s tallied 21 sacks and over 40 quarterback hits, emerging as the face of Detroit’s revitalized defense. But as any elite pass rusher will tell you, sustained success often depends on help from the opposite edge.
The Lions cycled through a variety of options opposite Hutchinson last season—Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara, and James Houston among them—but none provided consistent pressure or set the edge with the reliability Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn demand. The result was an over-reliance on Hutchinson to generate pressure, especially in big moments.
While Detroit’s defensive line as a whole improved statistically in 2023—ranking 6th in rushing defense and 13th in total pressures—opponents increasingly schemed to neutralize Hutchinson with chips and double teams. That strategy worked at times, and it was evident in the Lions’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where Brock Purdy was largely unbothered in the second half.
Adding a proven pass-rusher who still commands respect—and attention—would make it exponentially harder for offenses to focus solely on Hutchinson. And that’s where Chandler Jones enters the picture.
Chandler Jones, 34, is no stranger to high expectations. The former first-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2012 has amassed an impressive résumé over his 11-year career. With stints in New England, Arizona, and most recently Las Vegas, Jones has accumulated:
- 112 career sacks
- 13 multi-sack games
- 33 forced fumbles
- Four Pro Bowl selections (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
- Two First-Team All-Pro honors
His combination of length, speed, and refined technique made him one of the NFL’s most feared defenders throughout the 2010s. Even into his 30s, Jones showed flashes of elite play, including a 2021 campaign with 10.5 sacks and a three-sack outing in Week 1.
Yet, his career has not been without turbulence. After signing a lucrative deal with the Raiders in 2022, his on-field production waned and was eventually overshadowed by off-field issues. Jones was released by the Raiders during the 2023 season following a series of troubling social media posts and legal concerns. The situation led to questions about his future in the league.
However, sources indicate that Jones has undergone treatment, is in improved mental and physical shape, and is eager for a comeback opportunity—preferably with a contending team. The Lions, with their strong locker room culture and player-first leadership under Campbell, may offer the perfect landing spot.
One of the Lions’ greatest transformations has been cultural. In the past, Detroit was known for dysfunction, instability, and a revolving door of coaching philosophies. Dan Campbell has changed that narrative in just three seasons.
Players speak openly about the trust and camaraderie in the building. Veterans like C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Alex Anzalone have praised Campbell for his transparency, and young stars such as Hutchinson and Penei Sewell have embraced the no-nonsense, team-first ethos.
It’s this environment that makes the rumored addition of a player like Chandler Jones more than just plausible—it makes it potentially powerful.
Campbell himself is a believer in second chances. From giving veterans like Josh Reynolds and Romeo Okwara new life, to welcoming back Jameson Williams after his suspension, the Lions coach understands that the path to success isn’t always linear. With strong veteran leadership and a purpose-driven locker room, Detroit might just be the ideal place for Jones to re-establish himself.
On the field, the fit makes sense. The Lions operate a hybrid front that often asks its edge defenders to stand up, drop into shallow zones, or align wide in wide-9 stances. Jones has experience in similar systems, especially from his time in Arizona under Vance Joseph.
At his best, Jones offers more than just pass-rushing prowess—he’s an adept run defender, sets a strong edge, and uses his length to disrupt passing lanes. He’s particularly effective on stunts and twists, which could be a boon for Detroit’s interior linemen like Alim McNeill and Brodric Martin.
And imagine the possibilities: Hutchinson screaming off one edge, while Jones powers through on the other. Offensive coordinators would be forced to slide protections, max-protect, or get rid of the ball quicker. That, in turn, benefits the Lions’ back end—a unit that saw considerable upgrades this offseason with the additions of Carlton Davis and first-round pick Terrion Arnold.
Given Jones’ age and recent issues, it’s unlikely he commands top dollar. But a short-term, incentive-laden deal seems plausible. A structure similar to what Jadeveon Clowney signed with the Ravens—one year, $6-8 million with performance escalators—could be the blueprint.
From a cap perspective, the Lions have flexibility. According to OverTheCap, Detroit still has roughly $18 million in available space after the draft and pending rookie signings. That gives Holmes room to maneuver and add one or two more veterans ahead of training camp.
The key here would be guarantees. Detroit likely wouldn’t commit much guaranteed money, but would instead allow Jones to earn it through active-roster bonuses, sack incentives, and playoff performance escalators. It’s a classic “prove-it” deal—and one that aligns with the Lions’ recent free agency strategy.
Perhaps the biggest winner in this potential move would be Hutchinson himself. The 24-year-old is already trending toward superstardom, but the arrival of a savvy veteran like Jones could be the difference between Pro Bowl-level production and Defensive Player of the Year candidacy.
Jones could act as both a mentor and a complement. He’s battled every type of offensive lineman, faced double teams, and understands how to manipulate pocket depth. That wisdom would be invaluable for Hutchinson, who often relies on power and relentless motor. With Jones in the fold, Hutchinson can vary his pass-rush plans, line up more creatively, and face fewer double-teams.
It’s also a leadership boost. While Hutchinson is maturing quickly, having a seasoned vet who’s been to the mountaintop—winning a Super Bowl and reaching All-Pro levels—helps reinforce the habits needed to win in January and beyond.
Of course, the Lions will do their due diligence. Jones’ recent issues aren’t insignificant. The off-field concerns that led to his release from Las Vegas raised eyebrows across the league, and many teams remain cautious. Detroit’s front office will want full assurance—from medical to mental health evaluations—before proceeding.
There’s also the question of physical decline. At 34, Jones is no longer in his prime. His last double-digit sack season came in 2021, and his snap count has steadily declined since. While he can still flash brilliance, consistency may be a concern. That’s why any potential acquisition would likely come with no long-term risk or commitment.
In many ways, this move would mirror what championship teams often do: take a calculated risk on a player whose upside, if realized, can be the final piece. The Chiefs did it with Terrell Suggs. The Eagles with Ndamukong Suh. The 49ers with Charles Omenihu. Now, perhaps it’s Detroit’s turn.
Bringing in Chandler Jones isn’t about saving the defense. It’s about supercharging it. With a young nucleus that includes Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Jack Campbell, and now Terrion Arnold, the Lions are poised to be elite. Adding a veteran like Jones could be the catalyst that accelerates their transformation from playoff darling to Super Bowl contender.
As rumors continue to swirl and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. Will they make the move and bring Chandler Jones to Detroit? Or will they opt to develop from within and keep their powder dry for midseason additions?
Either way, the message is clear: the Lions are no longer rebuilding. They’re building to win—now. And the idea of pairing Aidan Hutchinson with one of the league’s most accomplished sack artists might just be the bold stroke that defines the next chapter of Detroit football.
