In a surprising move, the Chicago Bears have traded a sixth-round pick for guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams just ahead of the 2025 NFL free agency period. Jackson, who signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams, brings significant upside as he is expected to be the Bears' starting left guard. His prior connection with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who coached him in Detroit, likely influenced this decision. The Bears, looking to solidify their offensive line, still need to address the center and right guard positions ahead of the upcoming draft.

With Jackson in the fold, analysts speculate about the Bears’ 2025 draft strategy. While they prioritize the offensive line in the upcoming draft, including potential first-round prospects who performed well at the NFL Combine, Jackson’s acquisition has clarified their left guard situation without changing the overall need for additional offensive linemen.

Jonah Jackson is on the move from the Los Angeles Rams to the Chicago Bears in a trade that sees the Rams receiving a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jackson, who had signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams, struggled to find playing time during his season in Los Angeles due to injury and being benched. After starting just four games, the Rams opted to let him go, making this trade a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Bears, who desperately need offensive line help.

With the Bears's offensive struggles, particularly in protecting their quarterback, the addition of Jackson provides them with a versatile option at guard or center and a familiar face in coach Ben Johnson, who coached him at Detroit. The Rams, on the other hand, will take an $11.3 million dead cap hit, showcasing their struggles in managing their roster effectively.

The Chicago Bears have initiated a significant revamp of their offensive line, acquiring guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams in a trade involving a 2025 sixth-round pick. The trade will be finalized at the start of the new league year on March 12. Jackson, a former Pro Bowler, brings substantial experience, having started 61 games over five seasons, though injuries limited him to just four appearances last season.

With several key offensive linemen set to hit free agency, including Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, and Matt Pryor, the Bears are prioritizing improvements to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, who suffered a league-high 68 sacks as a rookie. Coach Ben Johnson indicated that transforming the entire interior line within a single offseason is feasible, highlighting that cohesion among linemen is crucial to success.

In a significant move, the Los Angeles Rams have agreed to trade offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft. Jackson’s time with the Rams was marred by injuries, limiting him to just four games in his lone season. Previously a Pro Bowler with the Detroit Lions, Jackson was signed to a lucrative three-year deal with the Rams but struggled to find his footing after undergoing knee surgery and suffering additional injuries. The trade will be finalized after the start of the new league year on March 12.