The Detroit Lions have experienced a turnaround at a rapid pace. It wasn’t too long ago that this franchise was near the bottom of the league once again without a direction. Then, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell came aboard and started building a culture that breeds success.
The Lions may not have made the playoffs during the 2022 season, but they took major steps toward becoming relevant once again. They went 9-8, capping the season off with a victory over their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, and keeping them from making the postseason.
Detroit is a team many people are keeping an eye on heading into 2023, as a playoff spot seems within reach. Holmes did an excellent job this offseason making upgrades to the roster, especially improving defensively, where the team struggled mightily last season.
With natural progression from the young players on the team, coupled with the infusion of talent, this is a team that could be going places. But, the job is not yet done as there is still some work to do this offseason; even the best teams are always looking to improve on the margins.
While there are some veterans available that could help the Lions, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates is taking a long-term approach for the one move that the team still needs to make this offseason. Instead of bringing on a new player, he believes they should lock one of their own up on a long-term deal, working out an extension with offensive guard Jonah Jackson.
“An unmistakable part of the Lions’ offensive identity is their nasty offensive line, with Jackson as a key cog in that operation. He is extension-eligible for the first time in his career this offseason and would seem a prime candidate for Detroit to reinvest in. One reality for the Lions is that they don’t have many glaring roster holes, and many of their best players are either already extended long-term or not yet extension-eligible (Amon-Ra St. Brown, for example). That’s a sign of just how far this team has come and offers plenty of hope for the 2023 season.”
The Lions are built on competitiveness and toughness, which Campbell embodies. One of the fastest ways to set that tone is through the offensive line, which the Lions now have one of the best of in the NFL.
Jackson is a lynchpin in that unit at the left guard spot and has earned an extension from the Lions. With offensive line help always in demand, working on a new deal now, instead of potentially having to compete with the rest of the league in free agency, would be smart business for Detroit.
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