Despite reporting earlier in the day that they were releasing second-year cornerback Michael Jackson, the Detroit Lions have instead opted to trade him to New England Patriots for an undisclosed draft pick in 2022.
Jackson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with pick 158 in the 2019 NFL draft — 12 picks after the Lions selected Amani Oruwariuye — but he failed to make their roster and signed on to their practice squad.
In late October, the Lions signed Jackson off the Cowboys practice squad and added him to their 53-man roster. Jackson would be a healthy scratch for eight of the nine games he was on the Lions roster, only seeing the field in Week 12 for two special teams snaps.
At 6-1, 210 pounds, Jackson’s ability to play press-man coverage is a great fit for the Lions scheme and therefore he should translate to the Patriots scheme with ease.
An undisclosed pick for the Lions could mean a variety of things but these deals usually come with stipulations like whether or not Jackson makes the Patriots roster — so don’t hold your breath this trade actually nets the Lions much, if anything at all.
