Before returning to training camp in Allen Park on Sunday, the Detroit Lions made a move to strengthen their offensive line. On Saturday, the Lions signed veteran offensive lineman Jamarco Jones.
The signing was first reported by Jones’ representatives, AMDG Sports, who also represent Lions offensive tackle and Jones’ Ohio State teammate, Taylor Decker.
Jones entered the NFL as a fifth-round selection in the 2018 draft made by the Seattle Seahawks after standout seasons with the Buckeyes, where he earned a pair of All-Big Ten honors (2016 and 2017). During his first four NFL seasons in Seattle, Jones played 36 games (seven starts), seeing 672 snaps on offense and 149 on defense.
In 2022, Jones left the Seahawks to sign a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans but was placed on injured reserve toward the end of September. During the 2023 training camp, Jones was involved in back-to-back practice skirmishes, one of which reportedly sparked a brawl. He was then involved in another altercation with Titans All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, which led to Jones being kicked out of practice and subsequently released from the team.
While Jones hasn’t taken an NFL snap since 2021, his addition for training camp makes sense as the Lions are down a few bodies on the offensive line.
Netane Muti, whom the Lions signed in February, suffered a significant shoulder injury during practice on Jul. 30, ruling him out for the season. A day after Muti’s injury, the Lions signed Michigan Panthers offensive lineman Jake Burton, reuniting him with his teammate, kicker Jake Bates. Christian Mahogany, whom the Lions selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft, is still on the Non-Football Illness list.