Report: Detroit Lions to sign Bears LB Christian Jones to 2-year deal

Just minutes after news broke that the Detroit Lions will be signing Giants linebacker Devon Kennard, ESPN Adam Schefter is reporting that the team is adding another linebacker:

Christian Jones, 27, has been a four-year player for the Chicago Bears after going undrafted in 2014. He has been an on-again, off-again starter for Chicago. Here’s a look at his career statline:

2014: 16 games (5 starts): 69 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 pass defended
2015: 15 games (13 starts): 86 tackles, 4 passes defended
2016: 16 games (2 starts): 15 tackles, 1 pass defended
2017: 16 games (11 starts): 90 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Jones is another fairly big linebacker (like Kennard). The Bears liked him enough to re-sign him to a one-year deal last year. Here’s what Windy City Gridiron had to say about the signing at the time:

When the Bears changed coaches and defensive schemes in 2015, Jones was moved to inside linebacker in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense, picking up 13 starts in 15 games. Last season, he was moved to outside linebacker, but he also saw playing time inside as well. He played in all 16 games in 2016, making 2 starts on D, while adding a career high 11 special teams tackles.

Throughout his three year career on D, the 26 year old Jones has 204 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 tackles for a loss.

His versatility plus his special teams ability (26 career tackles) makes him a valuable backup as the Bears head into the 2017 season.

Jones played a big role in their defense in 2017, but did not grade out very well. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of just 45.3, good for 64th among 87 linebackers.

So Jones brings a good amount of starting experience, some versatility and special teams talents to the Lions. Sounds like a prototypical Bob Quinn signing.

UPDATE: Ian Rapoport has the contract terms: