Rookie Cornerback Jakob Robinson Declines Lions Offer to Sign With NFC Competitor Instead

Jakob Robinson, known for his playmaking at BYU, has opted to sign with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent, turning down an offer from the Detroit Lions despite their interest. Though Detroit showed strong interest, Robinson saw more potential for playing time with the 49ers, where the cornerback depth chart is less crowded.

Why Robinson Chose the 49ers

According to insider reports, Robinson had multiple offers on the table—including from the Lions, Dolphins, and Ravens—but ultimately chose the 49ers. The reasoning behind his decision appears to be strategic. Detroit’s secondary is already packed with talent like D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Khalil Dorsey, which limits opportunities for a rookie to break through.

San Francisco, on the other hand, has seen major changes in its defensive backfield this offseason. With Charvarius Ward, Isaac Yiadom, and Rock Ya-Sin all no longer on the roster, the 49ers are in need of fresh talent and depth—an opening Robinson hopes to capitalize on.

Pro Day Boosted Robinson’s Stock

Following his collegiate career at BYU, Robinson worked hard to impress scouts. As reported by Jay Drew of the Deseret News, Robinson bulked up by 13 pounds ahead of Pro Day and still managed to clock a 4.39-second 40-yard dash during Big 12 Pro Days in March. He expressed confidence in his showing, saying the added weight didn’t hinder his speed or agility.

“I was really happy with how I moved,” Robinson noted. “My jumps felt strong, my drills went smoothly, and that 40 time helped me get attention.”

Though he wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft, Robinson’s performance helped generate significant interest, eventually landing him a spot in San Francisco where he has a legitimate shot at making the roster.

Detroit Adds Depth Through Draft

Meanwhile, the Lions did bolster their defensive backfield by selecting safety Dan Jackson from Georgia in the seventh round. General manager Brad Holmes praised Jackson’s intelligence and underrated speed, describing him as a smart, instinctive player who consistently finds ways to impact games.

“We’ve liked Dan Jackson for a while,” Holmes said. “He’s savvy, has good ball instincts, and showed up well during the Senior Bowl. He’s quicker than people think and fits our style.”