Lions Make Surprising Move by Signing Ex-Colts Star Running Back—What It Means for the Season

So, the Detroit Lions are back at it again, stacking their roster with fresh talent—but this time, they’ve taken a little detour down memory lane by signing veteran running back Deon Jackson. Now, here’s the kicker: Jackson hasn’t seen NFL action since 2023, yet the Lions are rolling the dice on his experience, banking on the hope that his UFL stint with the D.C. Defenders kept his wheels turning. With a backfield already boasting the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, one has to wonder—can Jackson carve out a spot on this crowded turf, or is this just a savvy gamble with practice squad potential? Either way, it’s a move packed with intrigue, and as someone who’s watched the Lions’ rollercoaster journey, I’m all eyes on how this one plays out.

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 30: Fans cheer in support of the Detroit Lions as they face the Denver Broncos Sports Authority at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 30, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lions defeated the Broncos 45-10. — (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions keep adding bodies to their roster.

This time, they dug deep into the free-agency market to find a reinforcement.

As reported by Aaron Wilson, they’re signing veteran RB Deon Jackson.

#Lions sign running back Deon Jackson previously #Colts per league source @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 10, 2025

He’s played for three teams in the NFL since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

However, he hasn’t played in the league since 2023.

Jackson has made 29 NFL appearances, playing for the Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

So far, he’s logged 283 yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries.

The bulk of that production came in 2022 with the Colts when he made 16 appearances and had 68 carries for 236 yards.

Jackson spent four years with the Duke Blue Devils, rushing for 2,267 yards and 18 touchdowns in Durham.

Despite being away from the NFL, he’s stayed close to the game, as he played for the D.C. Defenders of the UFL.

The Lions have also signed other UFL players this offseason: Nick Whiteside, Jacob Saylors, and Steven Stilianos.

He ran for 417 yards and four touchdowns in 10 regular-season games with the Defenders, adding 156 yards and four touchdowns in two playoff contests.

Of course, he will have his work cut out to make the 53-man roster after being signed at this point in the offseason.

Also, the Lions are more than set with one of the toughest one-two punches in the game, featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery out of their backfield.

Even so, he can still strive to make the practice squad or maybe impress another team to get a chance somewhere else.

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