Tag: Jonah Jackson

McVay: Signing Jonah Jackson, moving Steve Avila to center ‘came together last minute’

The Rams didn’t plan to sign Jonah Jackson and move Steve Avila to center until Coleman Shelton voided his deal, which set things in motion

Things don’t always go according to plan in the offseason so teams are forced to adapt and adjust. That’s what the Los Angeles Rams did when Coleman Shelton decided to void his contract and become a free agency.

The Rams still wanted to bring him back but he left to join the Bears and the team had just spent $48 million on right guard Kevin Dotson. So they began looking elsewhere and saw Jonah Jackson on the market.

Sean McVay told reporters at the annual league meetings this week that the Rams’ plan to sign Jackson and move Steve Avila to center came together at the last minute.

“Hey, Kevin’s at right guard, Jonah played left guard, and oh by the way, this stud rookie left guard that you had, he was an excellent center at TCU,” McVay said, via Stu Jackson of the team’s site. “And when you want to try to be able to improve and push the envelope with the interior parts of the offensive line, it really wasn’t part of the plan until you realize, wow, we might be able to get Jonah Jackson, and if we did that, even went back and started watching – and this all came together last minute – TCU, and you say, you know what, he did a great job at center, there’s a lot of work.”

McVay said moving Avila to center “was never really part of the plan” until Shelton became a free agent, so the Rams planned to keep him at left guard – a position Avila played every single snap at last season.

Now, though, Jackson steps in as the starting left guard, Avila moves to center and Dotson remains the starting right guard. That’s a massive trio on the interior of the offensive line, one that should do a better job of keeping Matthew Stafford upright and clearing running lanes for Kyren Williams.

Jackson may have been pricey ($51 million for three years), but he should be an upgrade for the Rams after letting Shelton walk.

Jonah Jackson explains why he called Matthew Stafford the ‘Wizard’ in Detroit

New Rams LG Jonah Jackson played with Matthew Stafford in 2020 and used to call him “The Wizard”

Jonah Jackson is new to the Los Angeles Rams, but he’s not new to blocking for Matthew Stafford. He played one season with Stafford in 2020 when he was a rookie, starting all 16 games at left guard during the quarterback’s final year in Detroit.

He’ll once again block for Stafford in 2024 after signing a three-year deal with the Rams and he’s thrilled about it. Having seen firsthand what Stafford can do, Jackson is excited about reuniting with a player he called the “Wizard” in Detroit.

During his introductory press conference, Jackson explained how Stafford earned his “wizard” nickname in 2020.

“In Detroit, we called him the ‘Wizard,’” Jackson said. “He could figure it all out and he can make anything happen. I’m excited to be able to protect him and let him make us look good and make plays happen.”

Stafford does have a knack for making plays that don’t always seem to be there, whether it’s by dropping his arm angle and firing a sidearm bullet or stepping up in the pocket and launching a pass deep down the field.

He’s been fantastic at doing both of those in his three years with the Rams but he might have his best offensive line yet in 2024 with Jackson, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson blocking for him on the interior.

Jonah Jackson speaks on how Rams’ culture influenced his FA decision

Rams guard Jonah Jackson speaks on how his relationship with former LA executive Brad Holmes influenced his decision to come to LA

It’s no secret that the Rams have heavily shaped the current look of the NFL. Since the organization’s move back to Los Angeles and then its subsequent hiring of Sean McVay, the team has seen many players, coaches, and executives make a name for themselves in the city of Angels before moving on to a high-profile role elsewhere.

Matt LeFleur, Kevin O’Connell, Zac Taylor, Brandon Staley, and Raheem Morris all belong to the Sean McVay coaching tree as the league has seen an influx of youth within the head coaching ranks due to McVay’s success. The front office is no different as many executives have received general manager opportunities after working with Les Snead.

One of these examples is Brad Holmes. Holmes served the Rams as a scout from 2003 to 2012 before he was promoted under Snead in 2013 to Rams’ director of college scouting. He served in that role from 2013 to 2020 before getting hired by the Detroit Lions to be their general manager.

Holmes has done a phenomenal job, capped off by the Lions’ run to the NFC championship game this previous season. Bringing a Rams-like mindset to roster building, Holmes has helped instill a Rams-based culture as displayed through the effort and dedication of their players.

This has been made ever more evident by the Rams’ signing of Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson. Jackson spent four years in Detroit and was all the more happy to talk about Holmes and what he means to both organizations during his introductory press conference.

When asked about making a life-changing decision on such short notice, here’s what Jackson had to say.

“It’s pretty crazy just the amount of time you have. I’ve been on the outside looking in at this place for a while, so I kind of had a general idea of what’s going on and a lot of familiarity within our building,” he said. “Like Brad Holmes, he was from here so I kind of got a feel of the people that they’ve been around and how they run things so I kind of got a good feel about how it’d be here.”

With an outstanding reputation around the league, the Rams have given themselves a leg up in free agency. A culture built around positive treatment of others, Les Snead and Sean McVay are in the driver’s seat to acquire any player they wish.

Full breakdown of Jonah Jackson’s contract, including yearly cap hits

Jonah Jackson’s three-year deal includes a cap hit of $13.67 million in 2024 and $25.5 million guaranteed at signing

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t sign their first outside free agent last year until the end of May when they landed Tyler Johnson. It’s been a much different story this offseason, with Les Snead and Sean McVay being aggressive on the first day of the legal tampering period.

They landed guard Jonah Jackson in the first few hours, giving him a three-year deal worth $51 million. That’s an average of $17 million per year, eclipsing even Kevin Dotson, who re-signed with the Rams less than a week prior.

As is the case with every contract, there are finer details that must be examined. Over The Cap has a full breakdown of Jackson’s deal with the Rams and like Dotson’s, it’s structured to allow the Rams to get out of it after two years.

Jackson gets $25.5 million fully guaranteed at signing, which includes a $4.25 million signing bonus. In total, there’s $34 million guaranteed on the contract.

His cap hits are exactly $1 million more each year than Dotson’s.

  • 2024: $13.67 million
  • 2025: $18.92 million
  • 2026: $18.42 million

If the Rams want to cut or trade Jackson before the 2026 season, they can do so as long as it comes prior to the third day of the league year. Cutting Jackson in 2026 would save the Rams $17 million, putting only $1.4 million on the books as dead money.

His salary of $17 million per year is tied for the fifth-highest among all guards, matching Elgton Jenkins’ salary in Green Bay.

With Jackson’s cap hit now accounted for, the Rams have $16.1 million in cap space left, but that does not include Colby Parkinson’s contract.

Former Ohio State offensive lineman lands big NFL contract

Former Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson signs a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in NFL free agency.

The NFL free agency tampering window kicked on Monday as deals are being announced left and right. One player who came into free agency as one of the best interior offensive lineman available is now off the board.

That is former Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson who is signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

Jackson began his Rutgers where he spent four seasons before transferring to Ohio State for the 2019 season. He was phenomenal for the Buckeyes as he helped pave way to one of the best rushing attacks in college football as well provide good pass protection for Justin Fields.

He was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.  Jackson immediately carved out a starting role at left guard and has been a very solid player for a highly regarded Lions offensive line for four years since being drafted.

Jackson now lands a much deserved payday and begins a new journey in the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Rams.

Video: Recapping the Detroit Lions first day of free agency (and trade)

Video: Recapping the Detroit Lions moves on the first day of NFL free agency, plus Marshawn Kneeland’s pro day

It was a busy Monday in Lions land, the opening day of the NFL’s free agency “legal tampering” period. Teams were free to agree to deals with free agents, though the contracts cannot be signed or made official until Wednesday afternoon.

The Lions made a few moves:

–Re-signing RG Graham Glasgow

–Trading for Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis

–Agreeing to terms with Vikings (and ex-Saints) DE Marcus Davenport

–Waving goodbye to LG Jonah Jackson

I shot a quick little video reaction to the day’s action in Detroit. It was also Western Michigan’s pro day, and the Lions were among 23 teams in Kalamazoo to check out DE Marshawn Kneeland. It leads to a little bit of draft talk at the end of the video.

An audio-only version will be available via your favorite podcast provider by Tuesday morning.

Former Rutgers star Jonah Jackson signs three-year deal with Rams

Former Rutgers football offensive lineman Jonah Jackson signs with the Los Angeles Rams.

On Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams upgraded their offensive line with the addition of Jonah Jackson. The former Rutgers star and the Rams agreed on a three-year, $51 million contract, with $34 million guaranteed. Jackson has been an important part of the Detroit Lions offensive line the last few years.

Jackson played for Rutgers from 2015-18. He transferred for his final season to play for Ohio State.

Los Angeles is getting a talented guard with a bright future in Jackson. His resume includes one Pro Bowl appearance, which came in 2021. The Big Ten product was a model of consistency that season, starting all 16 games.

Jackson, a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, started 12 games for Detroit last year and both of the Lions’ playoff games. He will now head to LA to block for Matthew Stafford, who was his teammate during his rookie year.

In college, Jackson was a two-year starter for Rutgers before transferring to Ohio State. At Rutgers, the Media, Pennsylvania native earned first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American honors.

 

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While the Rams improved a vital part of the roster, they are far from done. On Monday, they also signed tight end Colby Parkinson to a three-year deal. With Jackson and Parkinson in the mix, the Rams’ offense has gotten better.

Instant analysis: Rams wisely going all-in on O-line with Jonah Jackson signing

There may not be a team with a better interior offensive line than the Rams’ following the addition of Jonah Jackson

Matthew Stafford isn’t going to be the Rams’ quarterback for the next 10 years but the front office is doing everything it can to prolong his career. After drafting Steve Avila in the second round last year and acquiring Kevin Dotson via trade before the 2023 season, the Rams are bolstering their offensive line and pass protection even more this offseason.

Not only did they extend Dotson with a three-year deal worth $48 million, but they’re also adding Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson on his own three-year contract. The Rams and Jackson agreed to a $51 million deal on Monday, the first day of the legal tampering period, giving Los Angeles one of the best offensive lines in football.

The Rams are gave out $99 million in base pay to their two guards, along with $66 million guaranteed. That’s a significant investment into the interior of the O-line, which will feature a starting trio of Jackson, Dotson and Avila.

It’s obvious the Rams are going all-in on their offensive line, and wisely so. Not only will it help prolong Stafford’s career and keep him upright for the next year or two (or longer), but it’ll also help build up on the remarkable year Kyren Williams had in 2023.

Williams will have no trouble running between the tackles with Jackson, Avila and Dotson leading the way up the middle. All three of them had run-blocking grades of 56.0 or better last season, with Jackson ranking 28th at his position and Dotson second. Avila performed much better than his 43rd ranking suggests, too.

The Rams began their shift toward more of a gap running scheme last year and that’ll continue with Jackson stepping in at left guard and Avila moving to center. They have the size and power to clear running lanes, while also being agile enough to pull around the line when needed as a lead blocker.

Though Los Angeles is known for its splashy and flashy moves during most offseasons, the Rams are making a concerted effort to fortify the trenches and become a more physical team. They’ll still drop back and air it out with Stafford, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, but the running game should remain one of the best in the NFL behind the offensive line as it’s expected to be constructed.

And for that, the Rams are smart.

Rams do a ton to reinforce their offensive line with Kevin Dotson, Jonah Jackson deals

The Rams re-signed guard Kevin Dotson and acquired guard Jonah Jackson in moves that tell you all about Sean McVay’s state of mind.

The Los Angeles Rams have the wherewithal to put an explosive offense on the field, and they’ve done a lot to keep Matthew Stafford healthy and throwing all those deep balls. On March 7, they re-signed guard Kevin Dotson to a new three-year, $48 million contract, and on Monday, they agreed to terms with former Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson.

Not only does this set the Rams up with a dominant guard tandem; it also allows second-year man Steve Avila to move from left guard to center. Avila played 1,076 snaps at center for TCU from 2019 through 2022.

As for Jackson, the 2020 third-round pick out of Ohio State allowed two sacks and 27 total pressures on 480 pass-blocking snaps. Wrist and knee injuries gave Jackson a bit of an abbreviated season, but when he was on the field, he was on point far more often than not — not only as a pass-blocker, but as a stand-alone run-blocker and puller in Detroit’s highly complex run game. The Rams have moved a bit from their formerly preferred inside/outside zone to more gap concepts of late, and Jackson is a nice fit.

What the addition of LG Jonah Jackson means for Steve Avila

The Rams are signing LG Jonah Jackson, which will have a big impact on Steve Avila’s role in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Rams made sure to prevent Kevin Dotson from hitting the free-agent market by signing him to a three-year deal worth $48 million last week. It was a big move for the interior of their offensive line, but they didn’t stop there.

On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Rams agreed to a three-year deal worth $51 million with guard Jonah Jackson. It came as a huge surprise, especially considering the Rams already have a standout left guard, Steve Avila.

The addition of Jackson will have a big impact on Avila’s role moving forward. Assuming Jackson will remain at left guard like he has for the last four seasons, Avila will move to center. That’s actually his natural position, having started there for TCU in 2020 and 2021 before moving to guard in 2022.

There’s also a possibility that the Rams will try Jackson at center, a position he played for one year in college at Rutgers. That seems less likely, given Avila’s dominance at center with the Horned Frogs, but it remains on the table.

Los Angeles now has three quality starting-caliber guards on its roster. A trio of Jackson at left guard, Avila at center and Dotson at right guard is one of the best in the NFL, and that’s something the Rams envision helping their offense immensely – particularly in the running game where all three players have excelled.

In college, Avila earned a 75.8 grade as a center in 2020 and 81.3 in 2021, proving to be one of the better players at that position in the entire country. He only allowed four sacks in two years as a starting center, giving up only two other hits on the QB during that span.

Jackson has allowed 120 pressures at left guard in his NFL career and only 11 sacks in four seasons, but he’s at his best in the running game. According to PFF, he had run-blocking grades of 70.3 in 2022 and 76.4 in 2021, never finishing a season with a grade below 58.2 in that department.

The Rams have a trio of road-graders on the interior, which must have Kyren Williams smiling from ear to ear. Matthew Stafford should be thrilled, too, knowing he’ll rarely have defenders pressuring him up the middle.