With NFL free agency approaching, the Chicago Bears made an early move to strengthen their offensive line by trading for veteran interior lineman Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Bears will send a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft, according to a league source confirmed by the Chicago Tribune.
Jackson, 28, signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams last offseason but was limited to just four starts in 2024 due to injuries. He was recovering from knee surgery when he joined Los Angeles, then suffered a shoulder injury in training camp that kept him on injured reserve for seven weeks. After returning in Week 10, he started at center in a loss to the Miami Dolphins but did not play again until the regular-season finale, when he lined up at right guard while the Rams rested their starters.
A third-round pick in 2020, Jackson began his career with the Detroit Lions, where new Bears head coach Ben Johnson was part of the offensive staff. Johnson’s familiarity with Jackson likely influenced the Bears’ interest in him. Jackson was a Pro Bowler in 2022 as an injury replacement and was known as a strong locker-room presence. However, durability has been a concern—he has missed 15 games over the past three seasons, something Chicago must factor in as they continue to address their offensive line.
Jackson’s contract carries a $9 million base salary for each of the next two seasons, making him a notable investment for the Bears in both draft capital and salary cap space. Once the trade is finalized, Chicago will have seven selections in the April 24-26 draft, including the No. 10 overall pick and three others in the top 75. They also hold a fifth-rounder and two seventh-rounders.
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