Detroit Lions tender TJ Jones in last-minute about face

In spite of earlier reports to the contrary, the Detroit Lions used an original-round tender on wide receiver TJ Jones, making him a restricted free agent.

Last week, it appeared that the Detroit Lions decided not to use an original-round tender to keep wide receiver TJ Jones. It was a move that made sense at the time: the team felt that paying the fourth wide out on their depth chart $1.9 million was simply too steep a price.

That was prior to the financial carnage that ensued at the turn of the new league year. The market for wide receivers spiraled out of control as early as Monday, when teams were permitted to negotiate with players still under contract.

Contributing wide receivers such as Paul Richardson (5-year/$40 million), Taylor Gabriel (4-year/$26 million), John Brown (1-year/$5 million), and Ryan Grant (4-year/$29 million) all received lucrative deals in the first few days of free agency. Given the way the market is trending at the position, the Lions probably felt that $1.9 million suddenly became a discount for an emerging talent in Jones.

The tender means that the Lions have direct control over Jones’ future. Another team can still try and sign the fourth-year receiver, but the Lions have the right to match any deal offered. If another team does sign Jones away, the Lions acquire that team’s sixth-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Last season, and for the first time in his career, Jones showed real signs of development. Prior to suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 15, he notched career-best numbers in receptions (30) and yards (399). He was a clutch performer who filled in admirably when Kenny Golladay was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Jones was a reliable target for Matthew Stafford when it came to moving the chains, as 22 of his 30 receptions went for first downs.

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The Lions may not be done addressing the wide receiver position just yet. With free agency just days old and the draft looming, there is plenty of work to be done. By tendering Jones, though, the Lions brought back a solid contributor at a discounted rate.