As the 2026 NFL regular season approaches, the Lions could potentially face a familiar face this year as former running back Jermar Jefferson agreed to a contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings signed Jefferson after waiving Jordan Mims with an injury designation. Jefferson had three carries for no gain in the Vikings' preseason opener against the New York Giants on Saturday.
Jefferson was a seventh-round pick out of Oregon State in 2021 and was with the Lions until Detroit released him in 2024. After leaving Detroit, he had stops with the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals.
The #Vikings have signed RB Jermar Jefferson (@Munchie1_) and waived RB Jordan Mims. pic.twitter.com/Y5GeBLE6Uq
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 12, 2026
In Jefferson's nine games played with Detroit, he rushed for 96 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns, to go along with 33 receiving yards on five catches.
If Jefferson finds himself on the Vikings' 53-man roster, he will face the Lions twice this season. The first matchup is on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Ford Field in Detroit.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Former Detroit Lions RB inks deal with Minnesota Vikings