The Detroit Lions believe they have locked in a strong foundation for their interior defensive line with Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams leading the way moving forward.
In an ideal scenario, newly drafted rookie Skyler Gill-Howard steps up quickly and carves out a meaningful role on the unit. Even so, there remains room for a reliable veteran presence, and one familiar name could fit nicely into the mix for the 2026 season.
Benito Jones, who suited up for the Lions during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, offers experience that could prove valuable once again. In his last year with the organization, he earned a starting nod in 15 games, showing he can handle significant responsibility when called upon.
Analyst Mike Payton of A to Z Sports has repeatedly highlighted the potential benefits of reuniting with the defensive lineman. In recent pieces, Payton has made a consistent case for the Lions to give serious consideration to bringing Jones back into the fold as free agency discussions continue.
On Friday, Payton featured Jones among eight remaining free agents who represent logical targets for Detroit.
“He was a solid nose tackle for Detroit, and he can be that in a rotational depth sense this time around,” Payton wrote. “Plus, he doesn’t come anywhere close to breaking the bank.”
Across his time in Detroit, Jones accumulated 42 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks over 34 appearances. Following his departure from the Lions, he spent the past two seasons playing for the Miami Dolphins, adding valuable NFL seasoning to his game.
Payton first drew attention to Jones as a potential target on Thursday before doubling down on the idea the following day. The recommendation centers on adding proven depth rather than chasing a headline move along the defensive front.
The proposal does not involve displacing current starters.
“The suggestion here isn’t that the Lions bring in Jones to start. They’re set with the starters in the middle with both Alim McNeill and last year’s first-round pick Tyleik Williams,” Payton wrote.
Instead, Jones would complement the developing rotation.
“Jones would be that rotational guy with rookie Skyler Gill-Howard. You can bring him in on early downs to help stuff the run and then bring in Gill-Howard for your pass rushing reps.” Payton added, “I’m not sure the Lions have that at this moment.”
During his 2023 season with Detroit, Jones logged a career-high 567 defensive snaps. That same year, he posted personal-best tackle totals with 13 solo stops and 13 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute steadily in the trenches.
PFF evaluations present a more nuanced view of his abilities, particularly against the run. Jones received a 45.9 grade in run defense last season, a mark well below league average, and he has yet to surpass a 52.3 rating in that category throughout his career. Even so, recent data indicates improvement in this area compared to two years earlier, which could align with what Detroit coaches valued during his earlier stint.
Ultimately, while Jones may not qualify as a dominant run-stuffing force, his familiarity with the Lions’ scheme and modest financial requirements could make him a practical addition. A reunion would provide the team with extra insurance and competition along the interior line as they aim to refine their defensive identity for the upcoming year.
