The Chicago Bears have been working hard throughout the first portion of the NFL offseason. Not only has general manager Ryan Poles added free-agent names like EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, but the Bears have also fortified the offensive line by acquiring world-class blockers Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson through trades.
Although the offensive linemen duo's additions were necessary to help quarterback Caleb Williams' development, their long-term future in Chicago isn't exactly secured. The 2025 campaign will mark the final year of Thuney's five-year, $80 million contract, whereas Jackson has two years remaining on his $51 million deal.
With that being said, the Bears just extended one of the veteran's Windy City stays.
Bears Extend OG Jonah Jackson, Signed Through 2027 Season
On Thursday night, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Bears have adjusted Jackson's contract details. Not only will the former Pro Bowl blocker now receive $7 million in fully guaranteed money in 2026, but he's also been extended until the end of the 2027 season.
"He’ll get all $17.5 million he was slated to earn this season in the deal he signed with the Rams," Garafolo wrote.
As part of his trade to the #Bears, G Jonah Jackson received a one-year contract extension through 2027 and added guarantees in ’26 ($7 million fully gtd, $5.25m more for injury).
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2025
He’ll get all $17.5 million he was slated to earn this season in the deal he signed with the #Rams. pic.twitter.com/5MhIjJCcKs
It's going to be interesting to see if Jackson can live up to the hype now that he's extended nearly immediately after being acquired. After spending the 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, the former Ohio State Buckeye will be reunited with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was Jackson's offensive coordinator during their time with the Detroit Lions in 2022 and 2023.
Any potential success for Jackson next season and beyond will hinge on his health. The 28-year-old protector hasn't played a full campaign since 2020 and is coming off a 2024 season that saw him only make six appearances between the regular season and playoffs.
The encouraging news is that Jackson still graded well, even if he was rarely available last season. Although he wasn't perfect, his 68.8 Pro Football Focus run block grade was better than the previous year's mark (60.3), while his mark of 59.5 for pass protection was the second-best effort of his five-year career.
Hopefully, Jackson's injury woes are behind him so that he can be fully available for the Bears this season. The 2025 offensive line is looking better than ever now that Jackson — along with Thuney and center Drew Dalman — has been added to the mix, meaning there isn't an excuse for Chicago's attack not to reach its potential.
For now, it looks like the Bears are on the right path to competing for a playoff berth. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently listing the Bears with the 14th-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+3700) as NFL free agency continues.
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