The former Seventh-Round pick running back Jermar Jefferson is a potential cut candidate this summer. According to many sources, the Oregon State product could have some difficulty in the last weeks when the 53-man roster comes out. Jefferson has been falling down the depth chart since joining the Detroit Lions in 2021, but he could be on the market after training camp. It makes sense considering Jefferson isn’t doing anything with the team and they’re adding talent to their backfield.
Jefferson is the odd man out, appearing in seven games where he rushed 15 times for 74 yards with two touchdowns. The source notes the Lions could face difficulty finding a spot for him this upcoming season. However, he hasn’t been making any noise for him to remain on the roster. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the starting running backs so Jefferson is only falling behind.
The good news for the Lions is that there has been buzz at the position that shows potential. Rookie Sione Vaki has been earning praise from staff who started his career as a defensive back. One report says that Vaki has been dominant in special teams drills while impacting the Lions offense. If Jefferson stays on the roster, he’s going to have some fierce competition from one of the newest additions.
However, the future looks bright for the Lions since extending Jared Goff to a mega contract to keep the chemistry around. Gibbs is getting more involved in the run game but that leaves Jefferson out of the mix. He shouldn’t worry too much about not finding a job in the league, there are plenty of teams out there that are still looking for a running back.
Former Seventh-Round Pick Jermar Jefferson Is a Potential Cut Candidate
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh has his eyes on the run game this upcoming season. However, the backfield doesn’t look promising with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as the main duo of the roster. They have potential but the issue is their track record of injuries where they could crack at any minute. Jefferson isn’t going to make this position stellar but it gives the Chargers another rotational piece if they don’t see anything from the running backs they have now.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have been doing exceptionally well in finding a replacement at the running back position. However, it’s hard to imagine that Derrick Henry can carry the load on his own for the next few years. Baltimore has nothing to lose if they sign someone like Jefferson to add to the backfield at a low cost. Keaton Mitchell has been struggling on the roster after receiving a devastating injury last season.
Jefferson coming in would bring some relief to keep the backfield rotating in case it’s too much for Henry. However, if Mitchell is a cut candidate then Jefferson is an easy cost-effective replacement.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s still questionable that the Chiefs are extending Clyde Edwards-Helaire instead of Jerick McKinnon. Jefferson may increase his production wealth around a winning team like the Chiefs. This doesn’t go to say that the Lions can’t win games but a fresh start in another roster is probably what Jefferson may need. Isiah Pacheco will be the starter as long as he stays healthy but it doesn’t hurt for the Chiefs to add another running back in rotation.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may be in the market for a running back if they decide to move on from Miles Sanders this summer. Rumors have been spiraling for Sanders since he hasn’t been able to be productive for the Panthers offense. However, Carolina getting Rashaad Penny this offseason should indicate they’re moving on from Sanders to avoid any locker room frustration. Chubba Hubbard is their No. 1 but one shouldn’t count out that the Panthers may be getting another running back for cheap in the rotation.
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