The Chicago Bears made one of the biggest splashes during the coaching cycle when they hired Ben Johnson as their head coach.
All the attention is on building the roster, and Chicago wasted no time. On Tuesday, the Bears and the Los Angeles Rams are in the process of finalizing a deal for guard Jonah Jackson in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter also added that the deal can't be processed until March 12. This is an outstanding fall back option for the Bears, who were expected to be serious suitors for guard Trey Smith before he was franchise tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Trade: Rams are in the process of sending veteran offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, per ESPN’s @CourtneyRCronin. The trade cannot be processed until March 12. pic.twitter.com/lj3M8VW5V8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025
Bears News: Jonah Jackson Lands With Chicago Bears
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated added that the Bears will take on Jackson's contract. He has a $9 million fully guaranteed salary for 2025 and a $17 million (non-guaranteed) salary hit in 2026. Last off-season, he inked a three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams, and Los Angeles ended up paying $25 million for the 2024 campaign.
The Bears are taking on Jonah Jackson's contract as is—he's due $9 million in fully-guaranteed base salary for 2025, then $17 million (non-guaranteed) in 2026. Rams wound up paying him $25 million for the single year, take the sunk cost now.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 4, 2025
Jackson's reunited with Ben Johnson. https://t.co/PGpIWUtUlx
Prior to landing with the Rams, Jackson was with the Detroit Lions (2020-2023), crossing paths with Johnson.
The offensive line will be a priority for Chicago this offseason after they allowed the most sacks in the NFL last season (68).
Jackson is a mauler in the run game and can be steady in pass protection. Adding him into the fold is huge for Chicago and fills a major hole. Tevin Jenkins is slated to hit free agency, and this acquisition all but guarantees his time in the Windy City is over.
Johnson is looking to bring in his own guys, and Jackson is the first of many. Building a stout offensive line is a priority for the Bears. Johnson had one of the best lines with the Lions, so it's all building a wall in Chicago for quarterback Caleb Williams.