Having veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones back on the Detroit Lions roster provides a significant amount of comfort, namely for the coaching staff, who understand exactly what the 33-year-old can provide for the room.
Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El explained to reporters, when asked about having the veteran back in the Lions receivers room, "I could be talking about a certain route, as it relates to the way we need to run it, what it needs to look like, and I'll explain it. And other guys may be like, 'Well, why we can't do it like this?' And before I even get it out, Marvin is in the meeting, 'Like well, this is what Coach is trying to get you to understand, blah, blah, blah.' So, he helps a ton in the room, just because he's been in it. He's played in it and it certainly helps the young guys."
The veteran wideout returned to Motown after a two-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones appeared in 33 games and secured 119 receptions for 1,361 yards and seven touchdowns.
He's back after signing a one-year, $3 million free agent contract. Detroit's coaching staff expects Jones to earn red zone targets, make key receptions when needed and be factor when he is called upon to block.
"He's a the guy who makes the big boy catches, so to speak. He can do the dirty stuff in the trenches, you know, red zone guy for sure," Randle El explained. "So, that's why I see him in a lot, just making those dirty, grimy catches that will help us out. We got a couple of guys that can do it. But, he is one of the guys that for sure can show up and make those plays for us. So glad we got him, and he's been a delight. So, it's been great."
Jones ranks third in Lions franchise history with 36 total receiving touchdowns.
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