His contract situation may not be top of mind for a lot of fans, but Jonah Jackson wants to spend his entire career with the Detroit Lions.
On an offensive line filled with first-round picks, he's in the background. Amid all the talk about a new contract for Jared Goff, his own situation falls by the wayside. But it's fair to say Jonah Jackson doesn't want a lot of attention.
A third-round pick out of Ohio State, Jackson is now the second-highest Lions' 2020 draft pick who is still on the roster today after offseason trades of Jeff Okudah and D'Andre Swift. By the time Week 1 comes, with Julian Okwara trending toward the roster bubble, the Lions' left guard might be the only Lions 2020 draft pick remaining on the roster.
Jackson has been an immediate mainstay on the Lions' offensive line, starting 45 games over three seasons. In 2021, he earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Jonah Jackson wants to be a Detroit Lion forever
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's minicamp practice, Jackson's contract situation was a natural topic. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Via Ben Raven of MLive, he made his hopes clear.
"I’d love to retire a Lion. I love this city,” Jackson said. “I have a great time here, enjoy everything about it from the sports, to the people, to the cuisine. There’s nothing like it. It’s not too much different from (Jackson’s native state) Philly, either.”"
But Jackson also knows if he takes care of business, much in the way he has thus far, his contract status will not be a lingering question.
"Shoot, the same I have the past three years. Just put my head down, going to work, showing up each day, training and just putting my best foot forward,” Jackson said. “If I do what I do, then everything else will fall in its place.”"
When more specifically asked if his agent has discussed a new deal with the Lions, Jackson said "not exactly, but we'll see." The guard market and a looming deal for Penei Sewell will be big factors in how far the Lions are willing to go to keep most of their offensive line together for the foreseeable future.