The new league year took effect at 3:00 p.m. CST on March 12th. At the same time, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson met with the media to discuss the team's flurry of activity over the previous few days. Their objective was obvious: to improve the toughness, intelligence, and energy on both sides of the line of scrimmage. One of the key moves that came with this approach was trading for veteran guard Jonah Jackson for a 6th round pick.
The 28-year-old had parlayed a strong run with the Detroit Lions into a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Rams last season. Unfortunately, various setbacks saw him lose his starting job after only playing four games. Poles was asked what the Bears' assessment of what happened was. From his perspective, the Rams switching him to center didn't help matters. Then Johnson, unprompted, felt the need to chime in with a comment as well. It sure sounds like the head coach has some lingering irritation at how the Rams treated Jackson.
Ben Johnson clearly believes Jackson has plenty to offer.
He would know. The guard was excellent during his two seasons playing for the former offensive coordinator in Detroit. Yes, the health issues are well-documented. Jackson must stay on the field to prove anything. Still, Ben Johnson almost declared his intent to show everybody that the mighty Sean McVay blew it by not utilizing him properly. Jackson will handle the right guard spot this upcoming season. He and Darnell Wright should create a formidable combination in the running game, which is a big reason Johnson is putting them together. One thing is certain. If Jackson regains his form from a couple of years ago, that trade will look like highway robbery for the Bears.
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