The Detroit Lions remain engaged in contract talks with former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson, but the road is a bit rocky. As free agency nears, expectations of Jackson hitting the open market mount.
If that comes to pass and Jackson becomes an unrestricted free agent, there are several guard-needy teams out there. Among them are the New York Giants.
General manager Joe Schoen certainly has his work cut out for him this offseason. The team is expected to cut veteran Mark Glowinski to clear some salary cap space, meaning Schoen will need to find two new starting guards and then some added depth.
Jackson could be a partial answer, says Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network. He predicts the Giants will sign the 6-foot-4, 311-pound guard.
It’s safe to say the Giants should strengthen their offensive line this offseason after ranking dead last in adjusted line yards and sack rate in 2023. Both tackle spots and center are spoken for in New York, but guard can be addressed.
Detroit, already spending heavily on OL, may be unable to afford Jonah Jackson. But the Giants could use a veteran guard like Jackson, who should be comfortable in any scheme after playing in Ben Johnson’s creative Lions offense.
The 27-year-old Jackson has been solid but unspectacular throughout his four-year career. He earned an overall grade of 59.7 courtesy of Pro Football Focus last season, which was down from the previous two years.
If the price is right, Jackson could be a solid addition for the Giants even if he’s not an All-Pro-level player right now. He’s better than what they’ve had and any step forward is a good one.
Meanwhile, Robinson also predicts that the Green Bay Packers will sign Giants safety Xavier McKinney.
