The Athletic’s staff writer, Mike Jones has been busy grading many of the free agent signings from the past two days including the Los Angeles Rams acquisition of Jonah Jackson among the best of the 2024 class.
Los Angeles Rams Signing Jonah Jackson Grade: A
Jackson was signed Tuesday afternoon for a three-year, $51 million deal with $34 million guaranteed. Jones gives the move an A grade. The signing was among 15 that were given such high marks, the highest he awarded. Jones writes of Jackson,
“Aiming to extend Matthew Stafford’s career a bit further, the Rams are investing heavily in the interior of their offensive line…” “…The Pro Bowl left guard became an instant starter for the Lions, who selected him out of Rutgers in the third round of the 2020 draft (Stafford’s final season with the team). Now Jackson will reunite with the quarterback and aim to solidify a line that has endured a good deal of change the last two seasons.”
Grading the good, bad and ugly of every major NFL free agency 2024 deal
Read the rest of Jones’ grading here
Building A Formidable and Physical Front
Jackson was added on the heels of another massive deal, re-signing Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million contract.
Jackson is expected to play left guard, where Steve Avila played last year. Avila will move inside to center. He played two seasons at the position while at TCU. Dotson will remain at right guard.
The trio will result in a formidable front, standing at an average height of 6’4″ and a combined weight of 993 lbs. Not only will they add protection for Stafford against the new breed of pass-rushers and pass-rushing schemes, but they will add a physicality to the line of scrimmage which has knock-on benefits, not least of which is further opening up the run game.
