Detroit Lions Sign Former Los Angeles Rams Pro Bowler in a Proposed $51 Million Trade

First, ex-Lions cornerback Darius Slay expressed interest in potentially rejoining the team next season. Now, another former Lion could be on the radar.

NFL.com’s Matt Okada recently identified Jonah Jackson, a former Detroit offensive lineman, as a possible cut candidate for the Los Angeles Rams. With Jackson’s status in Los Angeles uncertain, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports has suggested that Detroit should consider bringing him back if he becomes available.

Detroit originally selected Jackson in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly established himself as a key member of the offensive line. As a rookie, he started all 16 games, and in his second season, he earned a Pro Bowl selection. Jackson continued to serve as a starter for two more seasons before testing free agency, where his performance in Detroit helped him secure a lucrative deal.

The Rams signed Jackson to a three-year, $51 million contract, placing him among the league’s top-paid guards. However, the move hasn’t worked out as expected.

During the 2024 season, Jackson was limited to just four regular-season games due to injury. In that brief stint, he allowed nine pressures, raising concerns about his effectiveness moving forward. Given these struggles, the Rams may decide to part ways with him, opening the door for a potential reunion with the Lions.

Detroit previously replaced Jackson by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal. Zeitler performed well but is now set to enter free agency and could attract significant interest from other teams. If Zeitler departs, reuniting with Jackson could help maintain stability on the offensive line.

The Lions do have Christian Mahogany as an internal option, but with only two career starts, he remains unproven. Bringing in a more experienced player like Jackson would give the team a reliable presence while Mahogany continues to develop.

Jackson’s recent injury history is a concern, but when healthy, he has demonstrated that he can be a valuable asset. Additionally, his potential contract would likely fit within Detroit’s salary cap constraints.

Of course, any reunion hinges on the Rams officially releasing Jackson. If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions explore the possibility of bringing him back.

Tags: Darius Slay