The biggest order of business for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason is behind them as they were able to agree on a new restructured contract with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Now that they know Stafford will be back, the Rams can shift their focus to the rest of the roster with hopes of contending for a Super Bowl in 2025.
Outside of quarterback, arguably the most important position in the NFL is left tackle and the Rams will need to address it this offseason with Alaric Jackson hitting free agency.
It seems that the Rams aren’t wasting any time though and Jackson may not end up getting to free agency after all. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Jackson is close to agreeing to a long-term extension to remain with the Rams:
The #Rams and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson are getting close on a long-term extension, per sources.
The deal is not done but is trending in the right direction. pic.twitter.com/jkzH5jhe2T
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 28, 2025
It was then confirmed by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports that the deal is done and is for three years:
Sources: The #Rams and LT Alaric Jackson have agreed to a 3-year, $57M deal with $35M guaranteed, keeping him in Los Angeles to protect Matthew Stafford.
Jackson, who was set to be a top free agent in a few weeks, will now remain with the Rams as they lock in the 26-year-old… pic.twitter.com/OuUQ3Mc3Iw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
The Rams being able to get this done is another huge domino for them to fall before the start of free agency and the draft. In a world where Jackson signed elsewhere, the left tackle position would have been the Rams’ biggest need.
Now, their starting offensive line for the 2025 season is set with Jackson at left tackle, Steve Avila at left guard, Beaux Limmer at center, Kevin Dotson at right guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle.
The Rams will likely look to add some depth to their offensive line through the draft, but it is no longer the pressing need it was if Jackson had departed from the organization.
Rams give Jonah Jackson permission to seek trade
The odd man out on the Rams’ offensive line is Jonah Jackson, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the team last offseason.
Jackson was originally signed to play left guard with Steve Avila moving to center. During training camp though, the Rams switched it up and planned to play Jackson at center. However, after dealing with a shoulder injury, Jackson lost his starting center job to the rookie Beaux Limmer.
Now that the Rams’ starting offensive line is essentially set for the 2025 season, they have given Jackson permission to seek a trade. Considering how much money is left on his deal, L.A. likely won’t get much back in return if they are able to trade him.
