Veteran Lions RB Finds New NFL Home After Abrupt Departure From Rival
Former Detroit Lions RB Jermar Jefferson off to next NFL destination — Arizona Cardinals.
The Arizona Cardinals announced they signed veteran back Jermar Jefferson to their practice squad Wednesday, giving former Lions tailback new opportunity. Jefferson had spent time with rival Minnesota Vikings in offseason, but was released just before start of regular season in September with injury designation.
Per CBS Sports: “Jefferson was signed to Cardinals’ practice squad Wednesday. Jefferson worked out with team Tuesday, and he has now been added to team’s practice unit. Running back played six snaps on special teams over two regular-season contests with Arizona last year, and he will now have chance to be elevated for a contest with team down road this season.”
Jefferson returned to Cardinals after brief stint during 2025 season. Initially came into NFL as 7th-round pick of Lions in 2021, spending first four seasons in Detroit but appearing in only 9 games. Spent time with several teams since then, including stint with Vikings that ended just before regular season when released with injury designation.
CBS noted at time Jefferson was having strong preseason before suffering undisclosed injury that led to IR trip: “Jefferson had solid preseason, rushing 11 times for 74 yards over three contests. Running back was waived Sunday and cleared waivers, meaning he is set to spend entirety of 2026 regular season on IR. If Jefferson would like to sign with another team, he will need to reach injury settlement with Vikings to become free agent.” He did reach settlement and now lands in Arizona.
Context Lions side: Lions have one of league’s top rushing attacks this season, led by MVP candidate Jahmyr Gibbs. Reporter Benjamin Raven of MLive noted team giving more carries to veteran backup Sione Vaki — 11 carries 65 yards last week’s win over then-unbeaten Vikings, earning praise from Jared Goff:
“The dam broke at some point in second half where it was like, ‘Oh, we can just keep leaning on this run and good things are going to happen,'” Goff said. “And Vaki ran his tail off. And when he’s able to do that, it just gives Gibbs that much more of breath on sideline to come back and do his thing at full capacity. And O-line loved it.”
Jefferson now NFC West opportunity.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
