Last year, the Detroit Lions made the difficult decision to part ways with former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson, allowing him to leave in free agency. Jackson ultimately signed a substantial three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, securing a significant payday. Meanwhile, the Lions opted for a more cost-effective approach, filling his vacancy with veteran Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler, who joined the team on a modest one-year contract worth $7 million.
Now, just a year later, the Rams may already be looking to move on from Jackson. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles has granted Jackson permission to explore trade opportunities. This news comes after a highly disappointing 2024 season for the offensive lineman, which did not go as planned for either him or the Rams.
Jackson’s struggles began before the season even started. He suffered an offseason injury that forced him to miss the majority of training camp, setting him back in his preparation for the season. Although he managed to return in time for the regular-season opener, his performance was inconsistent, and he was eventually benched. The Rams attempted to find ways to utilize him more effectively, even trying him out at center on occasion, but the experiment did not yield positive results. In the end, Jackson started only four games for Los Angeles, a disappointing outcome for a player they had invested heavily in just a year prior.
Financially, Jackson’s contract still carries significant obligations for any potential suitor. He has $11.3 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal, with an additional $8.5 million set to become guaranteed on the third league day of 2025. This means that if the Rams manage to trade him before that date, the acquiring team would take on that additional financial commitment, while Los Angeles would free up $3.3 million in salary cap space for 2024. However, if no trade is finalized by March 15, Jackson’s contract situation becomes even more complicated. At that point, the financial implications of trading or releasing him would outweigh the benefits, making it more likely that the Rams would simply keep him on the roster. That deadline serves as a crucial point in determining Jackson’s future, and if the Rams are unable to find a trade partner by then, they may ultimately decide to release him outright.
As for the Detroit Lions, their situation at the interior offensive line remains somewhat uncertain moving forward. Zeitler, who will turn 34 this year, could test free agency once again, leaving a potential hole at guard. Additionally, veteran lineman Graham Glasgow might become a cap casualty, further complicating the team’s depth on the offensive line. On the other hand, 2024 rookie Christian Mahogany showed promise in limited playing time, potentially positioning himself as a future starter.
Given these uncertainties, could a reunion with Jackson be in the cards for Detroit? If the Rams do move on from him, whether via trade or release, and he becomes available at a significantly reduced price, the Lions may consider bringing him back. While Jackson’s tenure in Los Angeles did not go as expected, a return to Detroit, where he previously found success, could provide a fresh start at a more team-friendly cost. With the Lions aiming to solidify their offensive line for the future, Jackson’s availability presents an interesting option as the offseason unfolds.
About The Author
