The Los Angeles Rams‘ acquisition of guard Jonah Jackson during the 2024 free agency period did not yield the anticipated results, as Jackson struggled throughout the season. Consequently, the Rams’ front office has authorized Jackson’s representatives to explore potential trade opportunities with other teams this offseason. Despite Jackson’s limited playing time of just four games in 2024, there’s a belief that the Rams could still encounter a surprisingly active trade market for him.
Jackson, drafted in the third round by the Detroit Lions in 2020, distinguished himself by earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021. Subsequently, he entered free agency and signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
Los Angeles Rams LG Has High Trade Value Despite Rough 2024
“The Rams put Jonah Jackson on the trade block,” The Monday Morning Quarterback’s Albert Breer wrote on February 27. “While he was a pretty serious bust (with the injuries factored in) as a free-agent signing, he might actually be tradeable—he’s due just $9 million in cash in 2025, which is a really good rate for a guard who was a Pro Bowler in Detroit.”
“Just 28, he’s under contract for ’26 as well,” Breer wrote. “That his $17 million in cash for that season is not guaranteed could be a nice plus for another team (if he plays well enough to justify it, that’s not a bad price; if he doesn’t, you can cut him).”
And the Rams should be motivated sellers not only will his departure free up cap space ahead of the opening of the free agency period, but Jackson is owed a bonus on March 12.
“Been pretty clear that a breakup between the Rams and Jonah Jackson was coming for some time after he was benched in midseason,” Bill Barnwell of ESPN posted on social media. “Question is whether the Rams can save any of the $8.5 million they owe Jackson in a roster bonus.”
The Rams’ decision to facilitate Jackson’s exploration of new team opportunities stems, in part, from the successful performance of other players who have capably filled his role.
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“Sources: Rams allowing G Jackson to find trade,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on X on February 26. “The context here is the Rams feel they have three starting guards, and Steve Avila more suited for G than C, leaving Jackson the odd man out.”
Jackson’s contract will account for $14.7 million against the Rams’ salary cap in 2025. By executing a post-June 1 trade, the Rams can realize up to $9 million in cap savings, incurring $5.7 million in dead money.
According to projections from Over The Cap, the Rams are expected to have $44.4 million in cap space available this offseason. This figure could be further augmented by the anticipated move to part ways with wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Additionally, the Rams could create further cap flexibility through a potential trade involving quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams could have a need at left tackle with Alaric Jackson heading to free agency.
Similar to their decisions regarding Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, trading Jonah Jackson could create additional financial flexibility for the Rams, potentially aiding in their efforts to retain key players. Furthermore, this move could strategically position the Rams to identify and develop a potential successor for right tackle Rob Havenstein, who will turn 33 years old in May.