Former Lions Pro Bowler Allowed to Seek Out Trade by Current Team

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) stretches before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.

Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) stretches before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.

Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions have built one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Their dominant offensive line has provided quarterback Jared Goff with clean pockets and helped establish a strong rushing attack. As a result, the Lions have put together their two best seasons in franchise history, both resulting in playoff berths.

That said, last offseason, Detroit decided to move on from one of their young offensive linemen. Former third-round pick Jonah Jackson wasn’t re-signed after his rookie contract expired. The 27-year-old guard signed a three-year $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

However, after just one season in Los Angeles, Jackson could already be moving on. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Rams gave Jackson permission to seek a trade on Wednesday.

Former Lions Pro Bowl Offensive Guard Jonah Jackson Given Permission to Seek a Trade

In four seasons with the Lions, Jackson nearly graded out in the top half of the league at guard twice, according to PFF. In 2021, Jackson earned the 33rd overall grade at guard with a rating of 69.3 and a 76.4 run blocking grade. In pass protection, Jackson allowed four sacks, nine QB hits, 22 QB hurries, and 35 QB pressures.

Jackson followed that season up with another great year in 2022. That season, Jackson was ranked the 34th best guard with an overall grade of 66.1 and a run-blocking grade of 70.3. Furthermore, he allowed four QB hits, 22 QB hurries, 26 QB pressures, and zero sacks. That performance earned him his lone Pro Bowl appearance in his five-year career.

This past season didn’t go well for Jackson. The 27-year-old began the year as the Rams’ left guard with 1.5 bad outings. During their Week 2 game, Jackson suffered a shoulder injury, which caused him to be placed on injured reserve. Upon his return in Week 10, he was moved to center, which lasted for one game.

After that, Jackson became a backup for the last seven weeks and only saw the field in Week 18 with the rest of the backups. Clearly, Los Angeles failed to get the best out of Jackson and quickly regretted the signing.

Nevertheless, Lions fans understand the role Jackson can play on a team and wish him luck in finding a trade partner.