The Chicago Bears have made a significant move by acquiring guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams. The Bears are set to trade a 2025 sixth-round pick for Jackson, a highly sought-after starting-level player. This trade cannot be finalized until the commencement of the new league year on March 12.
Jonah Jackson, known for his consistent performance, has been a valuable asset in the NFL, starting 61 games over five seasons. He was initially drafted by the Detroit Lions, where he played predominantly at left guard for four seasons. In March 2024, Jackson signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams, emphasizing his high market value. However, his time with the Rams has been marred by injuries, which limited his contributions this past season.
Jackson's 2024 season was disrupted when he missed most of training camp due to a shoulder injury. He returned at the start of the regular season but aggravated his shoulder in Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve. Despite these setbacks, Jackson managed to play one game after returning from IR before being benched. Throughout this challenging period, Rams head coach Sean McVay praised his professionalism.
"I really appreciate Jonah on how he handled [the situation]," – Sean McVay
The decision to allow Jackson to seek a trade came last week, opening the door for the Bears to strengthen their offensive line. Analysts point out that acquiring a top guard like Jackson can significantly enhance a team's dynamic.
"I mean, there are a number of teams that did that last year. The Panthers come to mind when they went out in free agency and got a couple of top guards, really changed the dynamic of their offense. You saw them clicking there in the second half of the season once they really started to gel. There's no question that you can change the dynamic of the room just like that. That particular room, it does take time for five guys to come together. Especially if you have to deal with attrition and injuries for five guys to be working on the same page." – Johnson
Jackson is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in salary during the 2025 season, reflecting his stature and expected contribution to the Bears' lineup. His presence is anticipated to bring much-needed stability and experience to Chicago's offensive line.
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