Lions Expected to Face ‘Toughest Decision’ on Re-Signing Pro-Bowl OL

Guard Jonah Jackson of the Detroit Lions is a unique addition to the organization. He signed with the group before general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell arrived in 2021, and he not only made it through the roster revamp, but he also turned into a key part in the rebuild.

With Jackson set to enter free agency, one expert thinks the Lions may be priced out of his next deal. The Lions may have to make their “toughest decision” over whether to re-sign Jackson at what is anticipated to be a significantly higher cost, according to Morgan Cannon of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit.

Jonah Jackson Added Consistency to the Offensive Line
Jackson has established himself as one of the NFL’s top pulling guards and has been a “mainstay” for the Lions at left guard, as Cannon pointed out. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2021 and contributed to one of the league’s best rushing offenses with the Lions.

Although Cannon anticipated that the Lions would try to retain Jackson in order to maintain continuity, Jackson’s next contract could be too costly for them. The team has already made significant investments in center Frank Ragnow ($12.8 million cap hit) and left tackle Taylor Decker ($19 million cap hit in 2024), and tackle Penei Sewell is anticipated to receive a significant deal soon.

“Jackson sees himself as a 27-year-old who just signed a rookie contract in the third round,” Cannon wrote. “A player should usually take advantage of this opportunity to strike while the iron is hot. A squad that has the financial means to do so could be trying to enhance their left guard position  throw at the issue, the Lions could soon discover that they are not in the running to keep Jackson.”

Lions Unveil Plans for Free Agency
Holmes has stated that the Lions intend to retain as many of its current players as possible and do not anticipate making many high-profile free-agency acquisitions from outside the team, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press pointed out.

Sewell and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who are in the last year of their rookie contracts, can both sign extensions, according to Birkett. In the event that Sewell does not sign a new deal by the time of the NFL Draft in April, the team is anticipated to pick up his fifth-year option.

Regarding the team’s available salary cap this summer, Holmes stated, “It’s one pot.” You must use extreme strategic thinking while allocating or splitting up the money. However, we’ll be astute and take the appropriate action. However, it only slightly alters the free agency environment.

Along with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions have also stated that they would like to provide long-term extensions to quarterback Jared Goff. Together, they guided the squad to its first division crown in thirty years and its only NFC Championship game appearance in the team’s existence. Goff and the team have both stated that they want to close a deal shortly.