Rams Give Jonah Jackson the Green Light to Explore Trade Options
LOS ANGELES — In a move that has caught the attention of many in the NFL community, the Los Angeles Rams have granted guard Jonah Jackson permission to seek a trade, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday. This decision comes after a challenging season for Jackson, who signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract in March 2024 but managed to play in only four games last season.
Jackson’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, starting with a shoulder injury that kept him out of most of the training camp. Although he made a return for the regular season, he aggravated the injury in Week 2, which led to him being placed on injured reserve. After making a brief comeback, Jackson played in just one more game before being benched for the remainder of the season.
Despite the setbacks, Rams head coach Sean McVay had nothing but praise for Jackson’s professionalism during a difficult year. “I really appreciate Jonah on how he handled [the situation],” McVay said. “A starting-level player … there are a lot of teams that would love to have Jonah Jackson at guard. … He put the team first in terms of just showing up, going to work and being a really good ‘scout teamer.'”
Financially, the Rams face a significant decision. According to OvertheCap.com, trading Jackson before June 1 would result in an $11.3 million dead money hit. Jackson is also scheduled to have a $9 million base salary in 2025, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Jackson’s career began with promise when he was selected as the 75th pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He quickly made a name for himself, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. However, his time with the Rams has been less than ideal, leading to the current situation where both parties are exploring new opportunities.
- Jonah Jackson signed a three-year, $51 million contract in March 2024.
- Played in only four games last season due to a shoulder injury.
- Rams would incur an $11.3 million dead money hit if traded before June 1.
- Scheduled to have a $9 million base salary in 2025.
- Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Detroit Lions.
As the Rams and Jackson navigate this transition, the NFL community will be watching closely to see where the talented guard might land next. With his proven skills and experience, Jackson is likely to attract interest from several teams looking to bolster their offensive line. For now, the Rams’ decision to allow Jackson to seek a trade marks a significant moment in the team’s offseason strategy, as they look to reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
Originally Written by: Sarah Barshop