5 free agency pivot options for Detroit Lions if Jonah Jackson leaves

2. John Simpson

In naming potential landing spots for some top free agent offensive lineman, Pro Football Focus had the Lions as a spot for Simpson.

"This could be the cheaper replacement for Jonah Jackson at left guard if Detroit makes the tough decision to move on from some promising homegrown players as they transition into a new era with big contracts pending for a lot of key contributors."

Released by the Raiders near the end of the 2022 season, Simpson landed with the Ravens and started all 17 games for them last season. His PFF pass blocking grades were notably better than Jackson's, and his "positive run block rate" from PFF was marginally lower than the Lions' left guard's.

Penalties were a bit of a thing for Simpson at times last season, but that feels like something that can be corrected by working with a good offensive line coach like Hank Fraley. PFF's Brad Spielberger noted how he "brings an edge in the ground game". That sounds like something that would right up Dan Campbell's alley, should the Lions be looking to replace Jackson.