Lions Sign Asa Jackson To Help Secondary

By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid

In the wake of Quandre Diggs' season-ending injury, the Lions have signed cornerback Asa Jackson, per NFL.com's Mike Garafolo. Jackson, 27, had spent the duration of the 2016 season on the Ravens' practice squad.

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, Jackson last logged NFL action in 2015 when he played in four games for the Ravens. As the Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec points out, Jackson played for Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin during Austin's stint as the Ravens defensive backs coach.

The Lions pass defense has improved of late, but the loss of Diggs is a considerable blow. Diggs left Sunday's game against the Saints with what was later reported as a pectoral injury.

Jackson's best season came in 2014 with the Ravens when he started six games and tallied 22 tackles and three passes defended. He has not started a game in any other season over his five-year career, although he has logged some time as a return specialist.