Dire Future for Los Angeles Rams‘ Jonah Jackson Amid Injury and Low Performance
Last year, the Detroit Lions‘ decision to let Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson leave in free agency led to meaningful changes in their roster and lineup dynamics. Jackson transitioned to the los Angeles Rams under a lucrative three-year contract worth $51 million. Meanwhile,the lions addressed the gap by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a more modest,one-year contract valued at $7 million.
A Challenging Season for Jackson
The 2024 season proved challenging for Jonah Jackson. An offseason injury sidelined him during most of training camp,and despite returning for the season opener,he struggled to secure his starting role. He was eventually benched and played at various positions, including center, to little success. Jackson started only four games for the Rams—a setback from expectations.
Financial Implications and Potential Trade Deadline
Jackson’s contract still includes $11.3 million in guaranteed money, with an additional $8.5 million set to become guaranteed on the third league day of 2025.This sets a critical timeline for the Rams, who are anticipated to either trade Jackson before this date to transfer the added guarantees to another team or face a costlier decision to either trade him later or cut him.March 15 emerges as a key deadline for potential dealings. If no trade ensues, the Rams might opt to release the 28-year-old offensive lineman, thereby avoiding further financial complications.
Lions’ Interior Offensive Line Uncertain
For the Detroit Lions, the future of their interior offensive line remains uncertain. With Kevin Zeitler possibly entering free agency and Graham Glasgow possibly becoming a cap casualty, the roster could see significant changes. Rookie Christian Mahogany, though promising in his limited starts, is yet to prove his long-term potential. This scenario raises the possibility of a future reunion with Jonah Jackson, this time potentially on a more economically favorable deal after a single season away.
How might Jonah Jackson’s performance in 2023 affect his chances of returning too the Detroit Lions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the Rams sign Jonah Jackson?
A: The Rams signed Jonah Jackson to a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract in free agency after he played for the Detroit Lions. They hoped he would bolster their offensive line.
Q: How has Jackson’s 2023 season gone?
A: Jackson’s 2023 season has been a disappointment. an offseason injury sidelined him during training camp, and despite returning, he struggled to secure a starting role. He’s been benched and played various positions, including center, with limited success, starting only four games.
Q: What’s the financial situation with Jackson’s contract?
A: Jackson’s contract includes $11.3 million in guaranteed money, with an additional $8.5 million becoming guaranteed in 2025.This creates a dilemma for the Rams, who need to decide whether to trade him before March 15, 2025, to avoid the full guarantee or risk a costly decision later.
Q: Could Jackson return to the Detroit Lions?
A: It’s possible! The lions’ interior offensive line is uncertain with potential free agency and cap casualties. A reunion with Jackson, potentially on a more affordable deal, could be a possibility in the future.
The unfolding saga of Jonah Jackson highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where even highly paid players can face unexpected challenges. Will Jackson find a new home or will he return to Detroit?
