The Los Angeles Rams enter an interesting offseason where they will try to play a delicate balancing act. They want to continue their pursuit for a Super Bowl after falling just short against the Philadelphia Eagles last season while cutting costs around the margins and improving at areas of need.
One way to do that is by trading away players making high salaries that were not top contributors for the team in 2024. And veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson fits that bill. He enters 2025 as the fifth-highest paid player on the Rams books, behind Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson. But he was limited to only four games last season due to injury, and the Rams fared relatively well towards the end of the season without him after Beaux Limmer took on starting center duties.
So if they could find a taker for his $17.5 million salary, they could get some serious cap savings without necessarily getting worse up front. And they reportedly have found the perfect partner for that deal in the Chicago Bears, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Trade: Rams are in the process of sending veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, per ESPN’s @CourtneyRCronin. The trade cannot be processed until March 12. pic.twitter.com/lj3M8VW5V8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025
Schefter reports that the Bears are taking on Jackson’s entire salary:
Jonah Jackson is scheduled to make $17.5 million in salary this season, and the Bears are taking on his contract, per source. Rams don’t retain any of Jackson’s salary. https://t.co/N1SVnXXoDm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025
According to Over The Cap, this trade saves the Rams about $3.3 million towards the salary cap in 2025 and comes with even more savings in 2026. Meanwhile, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson reunites with Jackson — from their time in Detroit — and gets some much-needed protection for franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Rams net a sixth-round pick, likely due to Jackson’s high salary. But this deal represents a win for both sides, as the Bears get an offensive lineman and the Rams save some money to improve their roster this season.
Rams agree to contract extension with Alaric Jackson
On another part of the offensive line, the Rams locked up a key member in Alaric Jackson. He was heading into free agency, and L.A. reportedly gave the left tackle a deal worth $57 million over three years with $35 million guaranteed to keep his as a Ram. The 26-year-old becomes an important part of L.A.’s future in protecting Stafford.
