Los Angeles Rams’ Jonah Jackson Debacle: A Costly Mistake or Smart Business?
The Los Angeles Rams are at it again—making a move that raises more questions than answers. Just a year after handing offensive guard Jonah Jackson a three-year, $51 million contract, the Rams have now reportedly allowed him to seek a trade. Yes, the same player they saw as a cornerstone for their offensive line in 2024 is now seemingly expendable. So, what went wrong?
Did the Rams Miscalculate?
When the Rams signed Jackson away from the Detroit Lions, they clearly saw him as an instant upgrade to their offensive line. A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Jackson was supposed to bring both skill and stability to a unit that struggled with injuries and inconsistency. However, 2024 was anything but smooth for him. He dealt with injuries and inconsistent play, leading to speculation that the Rams overpaid for his services.
But here’s the real issue—why give up on a player just one season into a multi-year deal? Did the front office miscalculate his value, or was this a planned short-term move all along? If Jackson wasn’t a true long-term piece, why invest so heavily in him in the first place?
Cap Space Concerns or Buyer’s Remorse?
One possible explanation is the Rams’ never-ending battle with the salary cap. They have been notorious for aggressive spending, often restructuring contracts or making abrupt cuts to free up space. Could this be another case of cap gymnastics? Perhaps they are trying to move on before the contract becomes a burden, avoiding an albatross situation like past deals gone wrong.
Another theory is that they simply regret the signing. Maybe Jackson’s fit in Sean McVay’s system wasn’t as seamless as they hoped. Perhaps they envisioned him as a dominant force, but injuries and inconsistencies made them rethink his value. Either way, allowing a high-priced free agent to seek a trade after just one year is a bad look.
Who’s to Blame?
If the Rams’ front office believed Jackson was worth $51 million in 2024, why is he not worth it in 2025? Is it a failure in talent evaluation, coaching, or just another example of the Rams’ reckless approach to roster building?
This situation mirrors past Rams moves—think of Jared Goff’s massive contract and trade, or how they flipped Jalen Ramsey after making him a franchise centerpiece. The Rams operate with a “win-now, fix-it-later” mentality, but how sustainable is that?
What’s Next for Jackson?
The good news for Jonah Jackson is that teams are always looking for offensive line help. Given his talent and experience, there should be plenty of suitors willing to take him on—especially if the Rams eat some of his contract in a trade.
As for the Rams, this is just another chapter in their chaotic team-building strategy. Sometimes, it works out—like when they mortgaged the future for a Super Bowl in 2021. But other times, it leaves them stuck with bad contracts, holes in the roster, and fans wondering what the plan really is.
One thing’s for sure: whatever happens next, the Rams’ front office will continue to keep the NFL world guessing.