The Detroit Lions have worked hard in the draft and free agency to construct an offensive line that is currently among the finest in the league, but they could face a significant loss this offseason.
Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson has reached the end of his rookie deal and is expected to enter free agency, with the New York Giants reportedly interested in signing him. According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, Jackson is among New York’s top free agents this offseason.
“Detroit Lions left guard Jonah Jackson and Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter, in particular, are among the top-tier free agents at those positions that the Giants like, sources at the NFL Combine say,” the article said.
Giants Eyeing the Top According to Lions Guard, the Giants’ offensive line could benefit from improvements at almost every position.
“[Giants general manager Joe Schoen] needs a starting left and right guard,” Leonard said in a statement. “He needs to fix or locate his starting right tackle. He needs a dependable backup swing tackle. And he requires better reserves.
From Indianapolis: Lions guard Jonah Jackson & Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter are among the top-tier free agents the Giants like at two premium positions they have made priorities, per sources. More @NYDNSports->
“So he has to land at least one big fish in free agency and add more O-line talent in the draft, and he knows it.”
Others say Jackson could be the “big fish” Schoen seeks this summer. Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network predicted in a February 22 piece that the Giants would sign Jackson to improve their league-worst sack rate in 2023.
“Both tackle spots and center are spoken for in New York, but guard can be addressed,” Robinson said in an email. “Detroit, which already spends heavily on offensive linemen, may be unable to afford Jonah Jackson.” But the Giants could use a seasoned guard like Jackson, who should be at ease in any scheme after playing in Ben Johnson’s inventive Lions attack.
Lions Face ‘Toughest’ Decision on Jonah Jackson.
The Lions may be able to keep Jackson after his rookie contract expires, but it could be costly. Morgan Cannon of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit anticipated that Detroit’s “toughest decision” this offseason would be whether to pay for Jackson’s next contract.
Cannon highlighted that the Lions have already made significant investments in their offensive line, with left tackle Taylor Decker carrying a $19 million salary hit in 2024 and center Frank Ragnow carrying a $12.8 million cap hit.
The Lions are also poised to give Penei Sewell a large deal
extension within the next year, while quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are also set to sign new contracts worth more than $100 million.
“From Jackson’s perspective, he is 27 years old and coming off of a third-round rookie contract,” Cannon stated in an email. “Typically, a player should strike while the iron is hot. There may be a team out there trying to enhance their left guard position, and if they have a lot of money to throw at the problem, the Lions may rapidly fall out of the running to keep Jackson.”
