Jerry Jacobs has been in the marketplace because the Lions elected to not retain him via an RFA tender. The veteran corner has since drawn interest from a listing of teams which is growing.
Jacobs has visits lined up with the Falcons and Vikings, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Jacksonville recently hosted the 26-year-old as well, so he could have a number of options to select from when joining a brand new team this offseason. He has made 40 appearances (including 29 starts) over the past three seasons, all with Detroit.
The Lions’ secondary was a weak point last 12 months, and it comes as little surprise the unit has seen loads of turnover this offseason. Detroit traded for Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson, providing the team with a pair of starting-caliber newcomers. The team then used its top two draft picks on corners (Terrion Arnold in the primary round, followed by Ennis Rakestraw Jr. within the second).
As Detroit moves forward with plenty of latest contributors on the cornerback spot, Jacobs seeks out a brand new landing spot. The previous UDFA matched his previous profession high with eight pass deflections last season, also setting a brand new personal mark with three interceptions. He struggled in coverage, nevertheless, surrendering six touchdowns and an opposing passer rating of 96.5 as the closest defender.
Atlanta has had a quiet offseason so far when it comes to cornerbacks. The team lost Jeff Okudah in free agency, bringing in veteran Antonio Hamilton to interchange him. The latter played totally on special teams early in his profession, but he has logged a defensive snap share of 61% during each of the past two seasons. The Falcons didn’t select a corner within the draft.
Minnesota, against this, has made a number of notable secondary moves to date. The team inked Shaquill Griffin to a one-year, $4.55MM deal in free agency. The previous Pro Bowler has 79 starts to his name, and he could hold down a first-team role in 2024. The Vikings then used a fourth-round selection within the draft on Khyree Jackson as a developmental option on the cornerback spot.
The three teams connected to Jacobs to date are in vastly different financial situations. The Jaguars currently have just over $34MM in cap space, whereas that figure sits at $16.67MM for the Vikings and $4.85MM for the Falcons. A brief-term Jacobs deal will likely not be an expensive one, but it can be interesting to see how urgently Minnesota and/or Atlanta proceed regarding a proposal following his visits.
