Open thread: Which former Lion will have the greatest impact with their new team?

These former Detroit Lions players will find themselves on new teams in 2024. Which of them will have the most success in their new home?

Many fans stop paying attention to players when they leave their team. Their support and interest dies when that player dons new colors.

However, keeping track of former Detroit Lions players can help paint a picture of the team’s offseason mindset. Which players priced themselves out of Detroit? Which players were deemed not worth bringing back? These questions can be answer by observing these formers players in their new homes. Did the Lions make the right decision to move on? Only time will tell.

As of this writing, the following Lions players have signed with a new team:

• WR Josh Reynolds to the Denver Broncos
• TE Zach Ertz to the Washington Commanders
• OT Matt Nelson to the New York Giants
• OT Max Pircher to the Seattle Seahawks
• OG Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams
• DT Benito Jones to the Miami Dolphins
• DE Julian Okwara to the Philadelphia Eagles
• LB Anthony Pittman to the Washington Commanders
• CB Chase Lucas to the San Francisco 49ers
• DB Will Harris to the New Orleans Saints
• DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles

There is a chance a player like defensive end Charles Harris or cornerback Jerry Jacobs could sign with another team before long—Jacobs has met with the Jacksonville Jaguars—but for now, these are the old faces in new places. Which of these players will have the most success on their new team?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which former Lion will have the greatest impact with their new team?

My answer: Jonah Jackson.

It is an obvious selection given his three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams, but he will be an unquestioned contributor if he remains healthy. Not only did Los Angeles bring in Jackson for a sizable sum, they also re-signed fellow guard Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million contract. That is a lot of money dedicated to the interior, and for good reason: they need to protect Matthew Stafford. Mobility is not a strong suit for the aging quarterback, so an extra split second in the pocket could be the difference between a dead play and a downfield shot.

There are a few other names worth noting, but they do not get my vote. Gardner-Johnson is slated to be a starting defensive back for the Eagles, but much like in 2023 with Brian Branch, there could be a rookie waiting to steal his snaps in Cooper DeJean. Reynolds has likely earned himself a starting role with the Broncos, but given that rookie Bo Nix is under center, the passing attack is not expected to be prolific. Ertz was a Lion for a hot second, but could be the top option for the Commanders until rookie Ben Sinnott is ready to take over.