Longtime Lions Fan Favorite Announces Surprise Exit From Team
The Lions brought Marvin Jones Jr. back this offseason to help offset the loss of DJ Chark, but that reunion has now come to an early end.
Jones Jr. will be stepping away to deal with a family matter and the Lions will subsequently release him, according to a report from Justin Rogers of the Detroit News.
Marvin Jones announced via Instagram he's stepping away from the Detroit Lions to attend to a family matter. As part of an agreement between team and player, the Lions will be releasing him on the transaction report later today.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) October 24, 2023
It goes without saying that Jones Jr. will be missed in Detroit, but will his absence actually impact the team’s on-field performance?
Let’s examine.
Lions to Release Marvin Jones Jr.
Jones Jr. over performed expectations in his first stint with Detroit, recording 4,296 yards and 36 touchdowns across five seasons.
Now 33-years-old, Jones Jr. wasn’t nearly as involved in the passing game this time around.
He’s been targeted just 10 times across six games, with five catches for 35 yards and a fumble.
Instead, it’s been Josh Reynolds who’s stepped into the WR2 role for the Lions. Reynolds has 21 receptions for 384 yards and three touchdowns.
When you also consider how heavily involved rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has also been in the passing game, it only makes sense that the team cut ties with Jones Jr.
Jones Jr. was a heartwarming success story that didn’t end on a high note, and that’s OK.
Here’s to hoping that everything works out for the best in his personal life.