Marvin Jones can't replace Megatron, but gives Lions a solid WR duo

Editor’s note: Grades and analysis for this article may be updated as further details of the deal are reported.

The deal: Former Bengals wide receiver is reportedly set to sign a free-agent contract with the Lions.

What it means for the Lions: Calvin Johnson’s retirement is a big loss for the Lions and it comes in a down year for available free-agent wide receivers. Marvin Jones was by far the best receiver available, even though he is probably not a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL. However, he has shown growth over his career and is capable of making big plays. At 6-foot-2, he is a big receiver who plays on the outside and who won’t take away slot time away from Golden Tate. Along the same lines as Tate but not to the same level, Jones makes plenty of plays after the catch. He has forced 27 missed tackles over his past two seasons.

The pairing of Jones and Tate might leave Detroit without a true No. 1 receiver, which some may see as a concern. Yet we have seen the Panthers make it to the Super Bowl with a depleted wide receivers corps, and Seattle has been successful despite not having a prototypical No. 1 wideout. The Lions will still have two very good receivers in addition to playmakers like running back Theo Riddick, who can be utilized in the passing game.

What it means for the Bengals: With Mohamed Sanu also a free agent, the Bengals have a big hole at wide receiver after A.J. Green. Even with the re-signing of Brandon Tate, Cincinnati will still need to address the position this offseason. There are options in free agency, but at this point the Bengals might have to look (early) in the draft for a No. 2 receiver.