The Chicago Bears have agreed to acquire offensive lineman Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams, a move confirmed by league sources. The trade will officially go through at the start of the new league year on March 12.
To finalize the deal, Bears general manager Ryan Poles sent a sixth-round pick to the Rams and agreed to take on Jackson’s full contract, which runs through 2026. The Bears will owe Jackson $17.5 million in 2025, making this a significant financial commitment to their offensive line.
Bears Strengthen Offensive Line but Still Have Key Gaps to Address
This trade addresses one of the Bears’ pressing needs on the offensive line, but more work remains. With Jackson likely taking over the left guard position, Chicago still has other gaps to fill. The team may look to free agency or the draft to find additional reinforcements, such as center Drew Dalman or guards Aaron Banks and Will Fries.
The Bears could also target top collegiate prospects like Will Campbell from LSU, Armand Membou from Missouri, or Tyler Booker from Alabama in the draft. While Jackson’s salary is notable, it is not as hefty as what a high-profile free agent like Trey Smith would have commanded.
Jonah Jackson (NFL)The acquisition of Jackson highlights new Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s influence in shaping the roster. Johnson worked with Jackson in Detroit, where the lineman started 57 games and made the Pro Bowl in 2021. Johnson’s familiarity with Jackson minimizes some of the risks associated with his recent injury history.
The Bears’ offensive rebuild focuses on solidifying protection for their quarterback, Caleb Williams, and improving the run game. Jackson’s presence should help Johnson implement his system more effectively, but further upgrades to the line will be necessary.
Rams Move on from Jackson to Clear Cap Space and Restructure Offensive Line
Jackson’s tenure with the Rams was short-lived, as injuries and roster changes made him expendable. He signed a three-year, $51 million deal last year but played in only four games due to a shoulder injury. His arrival initially forced Steve Avila to shift positions, but when Jackson got hurt, Avila moved back to guard, and rookie center Beaux Limmer took over in the middle.
Limmer played well enough to retain the starting center role, effectively leaving Jackson without a clear spot in the lineup. Given Jackson’s high salary and limited contributions, the Rams opted to trade him to free up cap space and solidify their offensive line with younger, healthier options.
Acquiring Jackson is just the first step in a larger effort to rebuild the Bears’ offensive line. His addition should improve the team’s pass protection and run blocking, but Chicago must still make further moves to fully stabilize the unit.
This trade suggests the Bears are committed to investing in their offensive line to maximize Caleb Williams’ development and ensure Ben Johnson’s offensive system operates efficiently. While Jackson’s injury history poses some concerns, his past performance under Johnson makes him a logical fit for Chicago’s plans.
