Former Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs takes free agent visit

As the Detroit Lions have added a new crop of undrafted rookies, Jerry Jacobs stands as a UDFA success story of recent years. He earned a roster spot as an undrafted rookie, worked his way into a starting job and became arguably the team's best cornerback for stretches. But he was not tendered a contract as a restricted free agent this offseason, and he remains available after the draft.

According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Jacobs had a free agent visit with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday.

Jacobs started nine games for the Lions as a rookie in 2021, then after returning from a torn ACL late in his rookie season he was arguably the team's best cornerback for the rest of the 2022 season once his snap count ramped up.

Jacobs kept his starting job going into last season, as Emmanuel Moseley battled setbacks in his recovery from a torn ACL. But around three interceptions, over two games, he struggled enough to be benched in favor of Kindle Vildor. He ended the season on IR, which effectively ended his tenure in Detroit before it would officially come to an end this offseason.

The additions the Lions have made at cornerback shut the door on any idea Jacobs would be brought back, which was unlikely anyway.

Former Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs should find another NFL opportunity

Prior to last year's struggles, Jacobs allowed just two touchdowns on 102 total targets over his first two seasons according to Pro Football Focus. His coverage grades from PFF weren't great, but he showed himself to be a capable NFL cornerback.

Jacobs won't be seen as a clear-cut starting cornerback by any team at this point, with the post-draft wave of free agency upon us. But he absolutely should be able to find an opportunity to earn a roster spot somewhere, and if a prospective new team calls the Lions he'll surely get a strong endorsement.