In an effort to improve their offensive line, the Chicago Bears made a splash by acquiring Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
The move comes at a time in which the Bears are expected to be major players in free agency and the 2025 NFl draft as they have an urgent need to upgrade their offensive line, a unit that allowed a league-high 68 sacks on quarterback Caleb Williams last season.
Taking a look at Jackson, the Bears will receive a lineman with some familiarity with the coaching staff, led by head coach Ben Johnson, and more opportunity. Chicago has to focus on their interior offensive line, meaning both guard positions and center, while having Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright currently in place at the tackle positions.
Here’s a look at five things to know about new Bears offensive lineman Jonah Jackson:
1. Jackson is familiar with Ben Johnson
Jackson, a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, played for Johnson during their time together with the Detroit Lions from 2020-2023. Jackson started in 57 games in his tenure with the Lions and now reunites with his former offensive coordinator who is now at the helm as the head coach for the Bears.
2. Jackson made the Pro Bowl in 2021
In 2021, Jackson was selected to the Pro Bowl, the only time he’s received the selection in his young career. Eventually, he would elect for free agency with the Los Angeles Rams, signing a three-year deal worth $51 million prior to last season.
3. Jackson was limited to four games in 2024
Suffering a shoulder injury in training camp, Jackson missed most of the summer with the Rams, and then re-aggravated the injury in Week 2, which cost him most of the season. Before his injury this season, Jackson showed an ability to stay healthy, playing in the aforementioned 57 games.
4. Jackson versatility along the interior
In 2024, Jackson played both guard positions and the center position in his lone season for the Rams. He comes to Chicago and fill a need for any of those three positions on the line, whichever the team finds to be the best fit for him. The versatility will allow the Bears to have a better idea of both their free agency and draft plans this offseason.
5. Jackson has allowed 10.5 sacks in just over four seasons
Jackson has shown he can be a very productive and reliable when on the field, and his low amount of sacks allowed each season should be a welcoming sign to Chicago. Giving up less than five sacks a season, Jackson will be counted on as just one member of a revamped offensive line unit looking to keep quarterback Caleb Williams upright and create a better running attack in the 2025 season.
