The Chicago Bears are suddenly in the mix to acquire former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson, thanks to the Los Angeles Rams giving him permission to seek a trade ¹. This development has sparked interest among Bears fans, who are eager to see their team bolster its offensive line.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential risks involved in trading for Jackson. Despite his impressive performance in 2021, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection, Jackson’s health has been a concern in recent years. He missed nine games in his last two seasons with the Detroit Lions due to various injuries, including finger, wrist, ankle, and concussion issues
Additionally, Jackson’s performance under Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach, was not overly impressive. In two years playing under Johnson in Detroit, Jackson allowed 53 total pressures on the quarterback in just over 900 snaps, and his run-blocking grade was consistently average
Despite these concerns, the Bears are likely to explore the possibility of trading for Jackson, given their need for offensive line help. The team has been linked to several top prospects in the upcoming draft, including Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who would pair well with quarterback Caleb Williams
It’s also worth noting that Bears General Manager Ryan Poles has indicated that the team will be selective in free agency but is willing to be aggressive in pursuing top talent ³. With nearly $80 million in cap space and three picks inside the top 41 slots of the draft, the Bears have the resources to make a significant impact in the offseason
Ultimately, whether or not the Bears decide to trade for Jackson will depend on their evaluation of his health and performance, as well as their overall offseason strategy. One thing is certain, however: the Bears are in a prime position to make some significant moves in the coming weeks.