Ezra Cleveland, once eyed as a potential fill-in for Jonah Jackson on the Detroit Lions’ offensive front, has reportedly finalized a 3-year, $28.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal notably surpasses Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) earlier estimation of a 3-year, $24 million contract for Cleveland, reflecting the escalating market for offensive line talent. Cleveland’s move to the Jaguars removes a viable option for the Lions, complicating their path forward.
The situation surrounding Jonah Jackson further complicates the Lions’ strategic considerations. Jackson, whose stellar play has been central to Detroit’s offensive prowess, is expected to attract a significant deal in free agency, with PFF projecting a 3-year contract in the ballpark of $30 million per season (Personally, I believe he could end up getting 3-years, $39 million or so). The evolving offensive line market underscores the financial gymnastics teams must perform to retain elite talent.
