The Detroit Lions' seventh-round pick, Jermar Jefferson, spent a year with the Arizona Cardinals after a four-season stretch with the Lions. After a tough four years, the former Lions running back, Jefferson, is now getting another opportunity to revive his career. 

The San Francisco 49ers have signed Jefferson to a one-year contract in a move to add depth to their backfield. The 49ers have had a series of injuries at the position, which prompted them to get Jefferson. For Jefferson, it’s another chance for him to prove that he belongs in the NFL after spending many years fighting for roster spots.

Drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oregon State, Jefferson showed glimpses in his rookie season. However, he was unable to become a permanent part of the Lions’ offense and spent more time on the practice squad.

During his rookie season, he played seven games and had 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.

The Lions had a crowded running back room, and Jefferson struggled to establish himself in the offense. The Lions eventually moved on from him because of the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Last season, he had a stint with the Tennessee Titans.

After signing with the team in July 2025, he spent time on both the active offseason roster and practice squad before being released later that summer. He joined the Cardinals' practice squad on Oct. 1 and played two games.

In that limited time, Jefferson recorded 22 yards on six carries and caught one pass for 10 yards.

Now, Jefferson joins one of the most recognizable offenses in San Francisco. However, the 49ers have had bad luck with injuries at the running back position, prompting the move for depth.

The 49ers still possess a superstar in the running back position in Christian McCaffrey. It will be interesting to see if Jefferson can shine and showcase his abilities to the fullest. Meanwhile, the Lions are now poised to make a move in the running back room.

Lions Might Be Making Another Major Move

The Lions already traded away Montgomery to the Houston Texans this offseason. This means that Jahmyr Gibbs is not gonna have to share minutes and will be getting more touches.

Now, ESPN insider Adam Schefter has reported during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that a new contract could be given anytime this summer.  

“Yeah, I think this is a whole work-in-progress, because there are a lot of players that have to get paid there," Schefter also mentioned how the Lions have already locked down some other key players. "Jahmyr Gibbs, I would think would be next.”

According to Schefter, Detroit's front office has done well to retain key pieces, with Gibbs potentially next in line for a new deal. He pointed to LaPorta as another cornerstone player the organization hopes to lock up.

As Jefferson's former franchise is figuring it out with Gibbs, do you think that Jefferson will finally find his footing in San Francisco?

Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar