Los Angeles Rams offload free agent bust by making a trade with fellow NFC opponent
The Los Angeles Rams made waves last offseason when they signed guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year, 51 million-dollar deal. The team envisioned building a smash-mouth unit up front. Now just a year after the signing, Jackson is on the move after not cracking the starting lineup for the Rams. The Rams have traded Jackson […]
The Los Angeles Rams made waves last offseason when they signed guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year, 51 million-dollar deal. The team envisioned building a smash-mouth unit up front.
Now just a year after the signing, Jackson is on the move after not cracking the starting lineup for the Rams. The Rams have traded Jackson to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
The Rams will receive what used to be the Texans' pick at pick #204 in return for Jackson. The Texans traded the pick to Pittsburgh, who then traded it to Chicago in exchange for Justin Fields.
How the 2024 season unfolded shouldn't serve as an indictment of Jackson's ability as a player. While rehabbing from injury, the Rams moved Jackson from guard to center after they realized their miss on moving Steve Avila from guard to center. Jackson had to learn an entirely new position in a new offense just weeks before the season started.
Jackson bounced between center and left guard to start the season and then suffered a shoulder injury that further limited his ability. He started the Rams' Week 18 game with the backups, playing right guard.
When Jackson is fully healthy and cemented at his left guard position, Jackson is one of the best guards in football still. There is a reason the Rams were so excited to add him to an already ascending offensive line.
Now, Jackson gets to play under former coach Ben Johnson in Chicago. He's a natural scheme fit and should help solidify their interior to help protect Caleb Williams.
For the Rams, it's another miss in a long list of free-agency whiffs. It's nice to get something in return for a top-caliber player, but it serves as a disappointing reminder of what could have been.
