The potential return of familiar faces seems to be a recurring theme for the Detroit Lions recently. First, former Lions cornerback Darius Slay expressed that the Lions were one of the two teams he would consider playing for next season. Now, another former Lion’s return appears to be a possibility.
Earlier this week, NFL.com’s Matt Okada suggested that former Lions guard Jonah Jackson could be a potential cut candidate for the Los Angeles Rams. With Jackson’s future with the Rams uncertain, AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton has encouraged the Lions to pursue their former guard if he becomes available.
Jackson, who was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2020 draft, quickly became a key member of their offensive line, starting all 16 games in his rookie year. He earned Pro Bowl honors in his second season and remained a starter for the next two years before hitting free agency.
His strong performance with the Lions led to a lucrative contract on the open market. He signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL. Unfortunately, his 2024 season with the Rams was marred by injury, as he played in only four regular-season games and allowed nine pressures during that time.
Now, with Jackson’s future with the Rams uncertain, there’s a chance for him to return to Detroit. When Jackson left, the Lions signed Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal to fill his role. Zeitler had a solid season in Detroit but is now set to become a free agent, and he could command a strong market. If Zeitler departs, bringing Jackson back could make sense to maintain continuity on the offensive line.
The Lions currently have Christian Mahogany on their roster as a potential replacement, but with just two career starts, Mahogany’s development might leave the team looking for a more experienced option. While Jackson’s injury history over the past few seasons is a concern, he has proven to be a reliable part of the offensive line and would likely fit within the team’s cap space. If the Rams decide to part ways with him, a return to Detroit wouldn’t be a surprising move.
