Jean Francois totaled 30 tackles and two sacks in 16 games for the Lions in 2018.
Jean Francois had a head start on his teammates since he was already familiar with first-year head coach Matt Patricia's scheme from the time they spent working together in New England in 2017. The familiarity evidently paid off given the veteran's strong play in a reserve role at defensive tackle. However, the 32-year-old will now become a free agent and isn't guaranteed to return to Detroit in 2019.
Jean Francois recorded four tackles (three solo), including two sacks, in Sunday's win over Miami.
Jean Francois hasn't been seeing a ton of action for Detroit this season, but his performance Sunday could earn him some extra snaps. His sacks were his first since 2016, when he suited up for the Redskins. Looking ahead, Jean Francois and the Lions will take on the Seahawks in Week 8.
Jean Francois agreed to a one-year contract with the Lions on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Jean Francois continues his tour around the league, with Detroit being the fifth team he has joined over the past four years. Despite now being 31 years old and clearly on the downside of his career, Jean Francois was a decent contributor for the Patriots and Packers last season and will provide the Lions with solid depth along the defensive line.
Jean Francois recently indicated that he won't be returning to the Patriots in 2018, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Jean Francois originally signed with New England last November to provide relief for a team that was dealing with injuries along its defensive line. He ultimately appeared in eight games with the Patriots -- six in the regular season, two in the playoffs -- and racked up 16 tackles and one sack while operating in a limited role. The 31-year-old intends to continue his playing career in 2018, and he's proved he can still be an effective player despite his advanced age.
The Patriots signed Jean Francois to a contract Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Returning to New England for his second stint with the club this season, Jean Francois will provide insurance along the defensive line, with Alan Branch (knee) uncertain to play Sunday against the Steelers. Jean Francois has appeared in a combined nine games this season with the Packers and Patriots, collecting four total tackles.
Jean Francois was released by the Patriots on Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
Jean Francois has four tackles between combined stints with the Packers and Patriots this season. The veteran defensive lineman will hope to again latch on elsewhere.
Jean Francois signed with the Patriots on Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
The signing likely comes as a result of Malcom Brown still being sidelined with an ankle injury, as Jean Francois will be able to add some veteran depth along the defensive line. Jean Francois was released by the Packers last week.
The Packers released Jean-Francois on Wednesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
The Packers previously cut Jean-Francois back in Week 1 and then re-signed him in Week 3 when the team needed more depth along the defensive line. The veteran's release this time around will likely open up a roster spot for rookie linebacker Vince Biegel (foot), who is ready to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday that Jean-Francois would be re-signed to the 53-man roster, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
The Packers will officially confirm the roster move later Thursday, but Jean-Francois will rejoin the squad after being let go a week earlier after being caught in a numbers game. However, with McCarthy revealing Thursday that outside linebacker Nick Perry would require hand surgery, the Packers were in need of extra reinforcements on defense. Ahmad Brooks will be primarily tasked with replacing Perry's production as a pass rusher, but Perry's absence could indirectly end up opening some reps for Jean-Francois as part of the team's defensive line rotation.
The Packers released Jean-Francois on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Jean-Francois played only six defensive snaps in the Packers' Week 1 opener against the Seahawks, and with rookie defensive lineman Montravius Adams (foot) on the mend, the veteran's role was likely to shrink in the weeks to come. Assuming health isn't an issue for Jean-Francois, he shouldn't have trouble finding work elsewhere, given his track record as a reliable member of line rotations in San Francisco, Indianapolis and Washington.
Jean-Francois signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Packers on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Jean-Francois visited a few teams after being cut by the Redskins last week before signing with the Packers. He had a career-high 32 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, in 2016, and he'll likely see significant playing time along the defensive line with Green Bay.
Jean-Francois was released by the Redskins on Wednesday.
Jean-Francois racked up 57 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Redskins the past two seasons but his release saves the team $3 million in cap space according to Brian McNally of CBS Washington. Theoretically, he could still return to Washington at a reduced price, but he'll likely test the waters in free agency first.
Jean-Francois (foot/knee) will play Sunday against the Eagles.
Jean-Francois' availability this week is important for the Redskins while backup Anthony Lanier (lower leg) is sidelined. Expect Jean-Francois to start at defensive end opposite Chris Baker.
Jean-Francois (foot/knee) is considered questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.
Jean-Francois is in danger of missing his first game of the season, but he was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. Washington may not be able to proceed cautiously with Jean-Francois, considering backup defensive end Anthony Lanier (lower leg) has already been ruled out.
The Redskins signed defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a three-year deal Thursday, reports the NFL Network.
The deal is believed to be worth $9 million with $4 million guaranteed. With incentives, the deal can reach $11.25 million.
Jean Francois was cut by the Colts on Monday. In 2014, Jean Francois totaled 28 tackles and three sacks.
Though the Colts released him, there appears to be a demand for defensive end Ricky Jean Francois' services.
According to a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Jean Francois is set to visit the 49ers, Redskins and Seahawks this week.
Jean Francois is primarily a 3-4 defensive end but would be moved to defensive tackle in a 4-3. Most teams that would be interested in him would likely run a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Jean Francois totaled a single-season best 28 tackles in 2014.
The Colts released defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois on Monday, the team announced.
Jean Francois started 23 games for the Colts over the last two seasons. In 2014, he totaled 28 tackles and three sacks.
By releasing Jean Francois, the team opened up $4.875 million in cap space, according to The Indianapolis Star.
Colts defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois returned in the second half against the Giants after leaving in the first half with a finger injury.
Colts defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois left the game against the Giants in the second quarter with a finger injury. He is questionable to return.
The Colts will have most of their injured players available Week 3 against the Jaguars.
T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks are both active for the contest. Nicks was the bigger question, as he entered the week deemed questionable. The team will also have Darius Butler, Ricky Jean Francois and Greg Toler.