Should the Detroit Lions target Julio Jones to cap off wide receiver core?

The Detroit Lions have already greatly improved their wide receiver room. Adding Jameson Williams in the draft was a start, but adding another wide receiver in free agency will also be a priority. If the team really wants to see growth in the offense, this will be important.

While the Detroit Lions rebuild is trudging on, the team may be able to accelerate it with a better-performing offense. The Lions have not hinted at any big spending, but a long-time veteran comes to mind if they were to go out and grab a receiver.

Julio Jones is someone who the Lions certainly need to be doing their research on, seeing if he is a good fit. The former sixth overall pick in the 2011 draft also shares the Roll Tide connection with the team’s new receiver, Jameson Williams.

With the 2022 NFL Draft coming to a close, the attention turns to free agency. Adding someone like Jones is going to benefit the team’s offense. It’s hard to forecast what the team’s spending will be, but there’s a lot that Jones can bring to the table.

The Detroit Lions should target Julio Jones.

There’s clearly a benefit to what Julio Jones can bring to the table. Between being a veteran wide receiver who has been around the league, at one time, he was up in the conversation for being the best pass-catcher in the league.

He’s 33 years old now and not the same player he was, but Jones may need a switch-up after a down year in Tennessee. If Jones comes to the Lions, he may not be competing for a Super Bowl, something he will want to do, but he would be the team’s best option.

The Lions could bring in Jones to mentor these younger receivers; it would be huge. There’s room for leadership with Amon-Ra St. Brown coming off of a breakout season and Quintez Cephus looking to shine after his 2021 season ended early due to injury.

Waiver wire acquisition Josh Reynolds has stepped up as well, but someone like Jones would really be able to lead the wide receiver room. Being a teacher and mentor as the younger players adjust to the league would be a major benefit.

As the offseason continues, the Lions need to try and get Julio Jones. It’s a tall ask and likely will not happen, but if the team truly wants someone to be there and mentor the team’s wide receiver room, Jones is a great option.