The Los Angeles Rams are trading veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. While the trade cannot be officially processed until March 12, it is essentially finalized. The Bears will take on Jackson’s existing contract, which includes a fully guaranteed $8.5 million roster bonus for 2025 and a $9 million base salary. However, his $17 million total for next season is not guaranteed. The Rams paid him $16.5 million for the 2024 season.
The Rams are finalizing a deal to trade veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. pic.twitter.com/gUhV82zyk4
— BFR Podcast (@bfr_pod) March 4, 2025
Here are five key things to know about the Bears newest offensive lineman:
1. Jonah Jackson is well-respected around the league
Jackson has built a strong reputation around the NFL. Respected offensive line evaluator Brandon Thorn ranked him as the sixth-best guard entering last season, placing him in Tier 2 at left guard—one tier above Teven Jenkins.
I talked about this possibility with a couple different people at the combine. Makes a lot of sense. Need + familiarity + Jackson at LG has real upside. Just turned 28. https://t.co/QU7UiHXun9
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 4, 2025
2. Jackson comes with a significant price tag
While the Bears only gave up a sixth-round pick, they are committing to paying Jackson $17 million in 2025. That’s a hefty price for a player who only appeared in four games last season. His ability to stay healthy will be a major factor, especially given past durability concerns with former Bears left guard Teven Jenkins.
Great value. But the job's not finished. https://t.co/KvYbNkptQL
— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 4, 2025
3. How Jackson grades out on PFF
Here are Jackson’s pass-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus over the past five seasons:
2024: 59.5 (T-61st)
2023: 60.7 (41st)
2022: 53.0 (63rd)
2021: 56.4 (56th) Pro Bowl season
2020: 51.2 (71st)
4. He has history with Ben Johnson
Jackson reunites with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who likely played a key role in bringing him to Chicago. It appears Bears GM Ryan Poles is putting trust in his new head coach. Jackson made the Pro Bowl in 2021 while playing under Johnson. In 2022, he didn’t allow a single sack on 494 pass-blocking snaps. In 2023, he allowed just two sacks on 432 snaps. Johnson likely wanted Jackson in Chicago, and if he performs well, he could be a long-term piece for the Bears' offensive line.
5. This fills a major need before free agency
Left guard was a pressing need for Chicago, and with limited quality options in free agency, this move helps solidify the offensive line. However, this doesn’t prevent the Bears from drafting a young lineman to develop behind Jackson come April.
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