Fortunately, the Detroit Lions got positive news on injured rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold on Tuesday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a second opinion revealed Arnold’s shoulder issue isn’t season-ending. Additionally, Arnold may only need about a month to fully heal.
That diagnosis suggests the Lions could be less motivated to sign another cornerback. Still, if Arnold ends up on injured reserve, finding secondary help would remain logical. Along with Arnold, fellow Detroit cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw, D.J. Reed, and Khalil Dorsey are also dealing with injuries.
SI’s Emmett Matasovky listed seven possible cornerbacks for Detroit to target. Among the most notable names he mentioned was former Lions defensive back Jerry Jacobs.
“Jacobs is another veteran who’s played extensively in Detroit, spending his first three NFL seasons under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell,” Matasovky wrote.
Jacobs started 12 games for the Lions in their 2023 NFC Championship season, recording three interceptions. However, since that campaign, Jacobs hasn’t appeared in a single regular-season game.
“He sat out all of 2024 but has stayed prepared for a return, having workouts with the Cowboys and Colts since June,” Matasovky added.
Jacobs’ 12 starts in 2023 were the most of his career. But after Week 14, he lost his starting job, barely played the final four contests, and was inactive for the entire playoff run.
Afterward, Jacobs briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams, though he hasn’t suited up for another NFL game since 2023. Both the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts opted not to sign him after their tryouts.
Why the Lions Might Bring Back CB Jerry Jacobs
Schefter’s update suggests Arnold could be back by Halloween, lowering the Lions’ urgency to acquire cornerback help.
If Detroit does add someone, a seasoned player comfortable in a backup role would make sense.
Provided he’s still in football condition, Jacobs perfectly fits that description. He’s started 29 NFL games — all with the Lions — and already understands Aaron Glenn’s defensive system, meaning he could contribute quickly if needed.
In 15 games during 2023, Jacobs totaled 55 tackles, two tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions.
Aside from Jacobs, Matasovky also listed ex-Lions defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson as an option, but the Baltimore Ravens signed him on Tuesday.
Other names on the list included DiCaprio Bootle, Cameron Dantzler, Melvin Smith Jr., Fabian Moreau, and Tre Hawkins.
