Jim Owczarski

jowczarski@enquirer.com

It isn’t often that the Cincinnati Bengals lose their grip on a homegrown player they targeted to keep, but wide receiver Marvin Jones wiggled free by agreeing to sign with the Detroit Lions as a free agent. The NFL Network outlined the deal, which was over 5 years for $40 million. He is reportedly earning $27 million of that over the first three years.

He would become the Lions’ No. 1 option with the retirement of Calvin Johnson, and that was what swayed Jones' decision.

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When reached for comment, Marvin Jones sent the following message to The Enquirer:

“I just want to first off all thank the whole Bengals organization for bringing me in and most importantly, for creating the family environment that I think is one of a kind and a necessity for all new players entering. You made it easy to go to work everyday. It was a brotherhood in that locker room that provided me with a lot of great memories and friendships that I will always appreciate. To the fans and good ol Florence, KY in its entirety, thank you for welcoming my family and I and we appreciate and will miss you!

"I just felt like this move was the best opportunity for me in my career and I am extremely excited about the future! MJ82”

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The Bengals made the 25-year-old a priority to re-sign this offseason as he entered free agency, but Jones was the most dynamic pass catcher on the market. He rebounded from a season-ending foot injury in 2014 to catch 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2013 he caught 10 touchdowns.

Prior to the season. extension talks between Jones and the Bengals sputtered out in large part due to the unknown – was he fully recovered from his injury? What kind of threat could he be? In 13 starts, Jones proved he was a valuable deep threat while also showing a willingness to go over the middle.

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