Detroit Lions Trade Rumors: Why a St. Brown for Jones Deal is Unrealistic
Each offseason brings a flurry of speculative trades surrounding the Detroit Lions, and the latest proposal is particularly noteworthy for its impracticality. During a segment on 97.1 The Ticket, co-host Rico Beard suggested a hypothetical exchange sending wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs in return for defensive tackle Chris Jones. Beard rationalized the potential move, stating, “I like Amon-Ra St. Brown but I would do this in a heartbeat… you have enough toys on the offense, you can absorb it.”
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) February 16, 2026. While such a proposition might generate discussion on sports talk radio, a closer examination reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the Lions’ current trajectory and the vital role St. Brown plays within the organization.
The Importance of Amon-Ra St. Brown to the Lions Offense
The suggestion to trade Amon-Ra St. Brown overlooks his undeniable value to the Detroit Lions. He isn’t simply the team’s leading receiver; he’s a critical component of their offensive identity and a trusted target for quarterback Jared Goff. St. Brown has consistently demonstrated his capabilities since entering the league, establishing himself as a reliable and productive player.
Specifically, Amon-Ra St. Brown has become one of the NFL’s most consistent high-volume receivers, proven his durability and clutch performance in key moments, and earned a long-term contract extension reflecting Detroit’s commitment to him as a foundational player. Trading away a cornerstone player in their prime, particularly as the team contends for a Super Bowl, is a counterproductive strategy.
Chris Jones' Value Doesn't Align with Detroit's Needs
While Chris Jones is undoubtedly an exceptional defensive tackle, acquiring him doesn’t logically fit the Detroit Lions’ current roster construction and long-term goals. Beyond his age, which is greater than Amon-Ra St. Brown’s, Jones would bring a substantial contract and corresponding salary cap implications.
The Lions have prioritized building sustainable depth through the NFL Draft and strategic free agency acquisitions, rather than pursuing short-term gains through expensive trades. Detroit has already made significant investments in strengthening its defensive line, and dismantling offensive firepower to address a single defensive position would be a misstep. The notion of easily replacing St. Brown’s production is a flawed premise.
Why the "Enough Toys" Argument Falls Flat
The assertion that the Detroit Lions possess sufficient offensive talent to absorb the loss of Amon-Ra St. Brown is a particularly questionable aspect of the proposed trade. The team’s offensive success is, in large part, because of St. Brown, not despite him. Removing him wouldn’t create a more balanced attack; it would fundamentally alter how opposing defenses approach the Lions.
Without St. Brown, defensive coverage would shift, third-down efficiency would likely decline, and Jared Goff would lose his most reliable receiving option. Losing an All-Pro caliber receiver isn’t something a team simply “absorbs”; its impact is felt significantly each week. Brad Holmes, the Lions’ General Manager, has consistently emphasized a building philosophy centered on smart drafting, fostering a strong team culture, and maintaining continuity – a trade of this nature would directly contradict those principles.
