REPORT: The hardest choice will be whether to re-sign Jonah Jackson for the Detroit Lions in 2024….

The Detroit Lions are facing a situation where 32 players from their 2023 roster, including 20 unrestricted, 6 restricted, and 6 exclusive-rights free agents, are set to enter free agency in 2024. The team is assessing the performance, expectations, and potential return of these players, including WR Josh Reynolds, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, OG Graham Glasgow, OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OL Dan Skipper, EDGE Romeo Okwara, CB Emmanuel Moseley, and K Michael Badgley.

In the spotlight is starting left guard Jonah Jackson, who joined the Lions in 2020 as a third-round draft pick. Known for his athleticism and effectiveness in the pulling-guard role, Jackson has been a key player for the Lions’ offensive line. With his rookie contract expiring, the 27-year-old is likely to command a substantial contract in free agency.

Heading into the 2023 season, expectations were high for Jackson and the Lions’ offensive line, considered one of the league’s top five on paper. Despite missing five regular-season games and sustaining a knee injury during the playoffs, Jackson showcased moments of top-tier performance, contributing to the Lions’ strong offensive line.

However, Jackson faced challenges in pass protection, allowing three or more pressures in six of the 14 games played in 2023. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Jackson is an unrestricted free agent, presenting the Lions with a decision on whether to retain him.

The case for keeping Jackson revolves around the potency of the offense when the offensive line operates cohesively. The continuity built over the years and maintaining a strength in the offensive line are significant arguments in favor of retaining Jackson. However, financial considerations pose challenges, as the Lions already have a costly offensive line, and allocating more resources to retain Jackson may strain the salary cap.

On the other hand, letting Jackson walk in free agency is driven by financial constraints. With the Lions having one of the most expensive offensive lines in 2023, committing additional funds to retain Jackson could become a difficult decision, especially considering impending contract renewals for other key players like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow.

Both parties express interest in continuing the partnership, but the financial fit may prove challenging. The Lions may want to keep Jackson, but their willingness to spend, given existing financial commitments, is uncertain. From Jackson’s perspective, this is a crucial time to capitalize on his performance and secure a favorable contract, potentially leading to interest from other teams with more financial flexibility.

The decision on Jonah Jackson’s future with the Lions is complex and depends on finding a balance between maintaining a strong offensive line, managing financial constraints, and assessing mutual interest.