The Lions are looking to improve their secondary which has led to them making an interesting contract decision for Jerry Jacobs.

After making it to the NFC Championship Game this season, the Detroit Lions have a busy offseason. While the Lions have a lot of skill on both sides of the ball, they do have some holes on their roster that need to be filled, with the secondary being perhaps their largest weakness, which makes their recent choice to sign Jerry Jacobs all the more intriguing.

After going undrafted in 2021, Jacobs steadily worked his way into a key role in the Lions’ secondary, starting 12 games in 2023. Jacobs’ coverage metrics aren’t outstanding, but he performed admirably for Detroit this season (55 tackles, 3 INT, 8 PD, 2 TFL, 1 QB Hit) when called upon. Jacobs was slated for restricted free agency this offseason, but the Lions had no plans to tender him at any level, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Via Jeremy Fowler:

“The Lions do not intend to tender restricted free agent cornerback Jerry Jacobs, according to a source. He will now be an unrestricted free agent. Jacobs has four interceptions, 23 pass deflections, and 29 NFL starts.
It’s not unexpected that the Lions did not tender Jacobs, given that they are likely to pursue upgrades at the position in the coming weeks. This does not rule out the possibility of re-signing him, but if they allow him to enter unrestricted free agency, he is unlikely to be a part of their future plans.

Given his starting experience, Jacobs should be able to generate some interest on the free market, though he may be better suited to a reduced role on a team with a deep secondary. It will be interesting to watch how the Lions plan to replace Jacobs and where he ends up, now that a return to Detroit is improbable.