The Detroit Lions have recently been considering bringing back former players, and there’s now speculation about the return of Jonah Jackson, a former Pro Bowl guard. The possibility emerged after NFL.com’s Matt Okada suggested Jackson could be a cut candidate for the Los Angeles Rams. AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton recommended the Lions to explore the option of re-signing Jackson if he becomes available.
Jackson was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2020 draft and quickly became a key contributor, starting all 16 games as a rookie. By his second season, he earned a Pro Bowl selection. He continued to be a fixture in the offensive line for three more seasons before leaving for free agency. His strong performance with Detroit led to a significant three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid guards in the league. However, Jackson’s time in Los Angeles was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just four games in 2024, during which he allowed nine pressures.
With Jackson’s future uncertain in Los Angeles, the Lions might be looking at a potential reunion, especially if they lose Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Zeitler played well for the Lions last season but is now set to enter free agency, and his departure could open the door for Jackson to reclaim his starting role. The Lions have Christian Mahogany as a potential replacement, but with only two career starts, they might prefer a more experienced option. Although Jackson’s injury history is a concern, his proven ability on the offensive line could make him a valuable addition without significantly affecting the team’s cap space. If the Rams release Jackson, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions brought him back to Detroit.
