The Detroit Lions boast one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, but their guard positions face some uncertainty as they look ahead to next season. Kevin Zeitler, a free agent, is drawing increasing interest from multiple teams, while rookie Christian Mahogany showed promise in his two starts and could be in line to claim a starting spot. Graham Glasgow, who shifted to left guard to make room for Zeitler, struggled in the 2024 season.
Several possibilities are on the table: Zeitler may return, or he could leave, as is often the case with free agents. Glasgow may become a cap casualty or at the very least face competition for his starting role. Mahogany could emerge as the favorite for a starting position, depending on the team’s outlook for the other guards and his development.
In a certain scenario, it could make sense for the Lions to consider bringing back a former Pro Bowler, even though he hasn’t been widely discussed in relation to their future.
The Lions were unable to retain Jonah Jackson as the free-agent guard market surged last offseason. Jackson secured a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, but his first season with them was riddled with issues. After sustaining a shoulder injury in training camp, Jackson played through it in the season opener, starting at center. However, after fracturing his scapula in Week 2, he didn’t return until Week 10, where he was benched after another poor performance. Jackson’s limited playing time after that—appearing only in the regular season finale at right guard—has led to speculation that the Rams could cut him.
Matt Okuda of NFL.com recently listed Jackson as a potential cut candidate, citing the heavy dead money the Rams would absorb in a standard release. If designated as a post-June 1 cut, the Rams could save $9 million.
Mike Payton from AtoZ Sports suggests that if the Rams part ways with Jackson, it might be worth the Lions considering a reunion. He acknowledges that the most likely scenario would involve re-signing Zeitler and letting Mahogany compete for a starting job, but if the Lions part ways with Glasgow and feel Mahogany needs more time to develop, bringing Jackson back could make sense. Jackson earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 as a left guard for the Lions, but his subsequent seasons were plagued by injuries and struggles.
If Jackson is ultimately cut by the Rams, a lot would have to fall into place for the Lions to pursue a reunion. So for now, it remains a possibility worth considering but not guaranteed.
