Detroit Lions Refused To Offer New Contract To Star

The cornerback has been on the market since the Lions declined to retain him. The veteran cornerback has sparked attention from an increasing number of organizations.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that Jacobs has scheduled visits with the Falcons and Vikings. Jacksonville recently hosted the 26-year-old, so he may have a few alternatives when looking for a new team this offseason. He has made 40 appearances (29 starts) in the last three seasons, all with Detroit.

The Lions’ secondary was a weak position last season, so it’s no surprise that there has been a lot of movement this offseason. Detroit acquired Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson, giving the franchise a pair of starting-caliber rookies. The franchise then spent its top two draft picks on cornerbacks (Terrion Arnold in the first round and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second).

As Detroit adds several new cornerbacks, Jacobs looks for a new home. Last season, the former UDFA tied his career high of eight pass deflections while also setting a new personal record of three interceptions. He struggled in coverage, giving up six touchdowns and an opposing quarterback rating of 96.5 as the closest defender.

Atlanta has had a somewhat quiet offseason in terms of cornerbacks. Jeff Okudah left the organization in free agency, and veteran Antonio Hamilton replaced him. The latter spent most of his career on special teams, but he has averaged 61% defensive snap share over the last two seasons.

 

Watch: Interview with Jerry Jacobs after he made Lions 53-man roster
Jerry Jacobs

 

The Falcons did not select a cornerback during the draft.

Minnesota, on the other hand, has only made a few major secondary moves thus far. The team signed Shaquill Griffin to a one-year, $4.55 million contract in free agency. The former Pro Bowler has 79 career starts and might be a first-team regular in 2024. The Vikings then selected Khyree Jackson in the fourth round of the draft as a developmental option at cornerback.

So far, the three Jacobs-connected clubs are in quite varied financial circumstances. The Jaguars presently have slightly more than $34 million in cap space, compared to $16.67 million for the Vikings and $4.85 million for the Falcons. A short-term Jacobs deal is unlikely to be pricey, but it will be fascinating to see how quickly Minnesota and/or Atlanta move forward with an offer following his meetings.

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