Should the Detroit Lions Bring Back Jonah Jackson?
A Potential Reunion on the Horizon
Former Detroit Lions Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jonah Jackson has been granted permission to seek a trade from the Los Angeles Rams. Just one year after signing a lucrative three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams, Jackson’s time in Los Angeles could already be coming to an end. With the Lions facing questions about their offensive line depth, could a reunion be in the cards?
Jackson’s Struggles in Los Angeles
Jackson’s 2024 season with the Rams was anything but smooth. A fractured scapula sidelined him for a significant portion of the regular season, limiting him to just four games. Even after returning from injury, he found himself benched and saw minimal action in the playoffs. In the Wild Card Round, he didn’t play a single offensive snap, and against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round, he was used for just one play.
Given his struggles in Los Angeles, it’s no surprise that Jackson is looking for a fresh start. The question remains—should Detroit be the team to give him that opportunity?
The Lions’ Guard Situation
Detroit is entering the 2025 season with uncertainty at the guard position. Kevin Zeitler is set to hit free agency, and Graham Glasgow’s performance took a step back after a strong 2023 campaign. While Glasgow was a key contributor in Jackson’s absence during the Lions’ NFC Championship run, the team may still be looking for long-term stability.
A healthy Jonah Jackson could provide exactly that. When at his best, he has proven to be one of the league’s more reliable interior linemen. He was a Pro Bowler with Detroit in 2021 and was a crucial part of their offensive line’s dominance in previous seasons.
Financial Considerations
While Jackson’s talent is undeniable, acquiring him would come with financial hurdles. He is due an $8.5 million guarantee on March 12, and his cap hit would be $14.7 million in 2025 and a massive $22.7 million in 2026. With Detroit already allocating significant cap space to key players, adding Jackson’s contract would require some maneuvering.
According to OverTheCap, the Lions currently have around $51 million in cap space for 2025 and $27.7 million for 2026. While they have room to make moves, they must weigh whether Jackson is worth the financial commitment, especially given his recent injury history.
Should the Lions Make the Move?
Bringing back Jackson would make sense if Detroit believes he can return to his previous Pro Bowl form. If Zeitler departs, Jackson could immediately step in as a starter. Even if Zeitler stays, adding Jackson could provide depth and competition for Glasgow, ensuring that the Lions maintain one of the NFL’s top offensive lines.
However, given his injury concerns and the financial commitment required, the Lions must carefully evaluate whether Jackson is the best option. If they can negotiate a favorable trade and rework his contract, a reunion could be a smart move. If not, Detroit may be better off looking at other options in free agency or the draft.
With the Rams seemingly undergoing a full-scale roster reset—already parting ways with Cooper Kupp and potentially Matthew Stafford—Jackson’s availability is just another piece of the puzzle. The Lions have a big decision ahead, and it will be interesting to see if they bring back a familiar face to solidify their offensive line.
