Jones told ESPN’s Josina Anderson the move was ‘not all about the money.’
Jones, who missed all of 2014 with an ankle injury, caught 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. In 2013, he caught 51 passes for 712 yards and 10 TDs.
The Bengals would had hoped to re-sign Jones, who has said he will not give the Bengals a hometown discount.
The Browns also reportedly were interested in acquiring Jones.
The Bengals drafted Jones (6-2, 195) in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Another Bengals wide receiver — Mohamed Sanu — also is set to become a free agent and figures to draw interest from several teams, including the Browns.
The Lions were in the market for a receiver after future Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday.
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