Ben Johnson, the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, has made his first major move by acquiring former Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams received a 2025 sixth-round pick in exchange for Jackson, who signed a three-year contract worth over $50 million with the Rams last offseason ¹.
This move reunites Jackson with his former coach Ben Johnson, who was the offensive coordinator for the Lions before becoming the head coach of the Bears. Jackson played for the Lions for four seasons, starting 57 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, his 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury and a benching, leading to the Rams giving him permission to seek a trade ².
The Bears are taking on Jackson’s contract, which includes a $17.5 million salary for 2025 and runs through 2026. While there are concerns about Jackson’s health and performance, he has given up just two sacks over the last three seasons, showcasing his potential as a reliable starter ¹.
This trade is a significant move for the Bears, who are looking to bolster their offense and provide support for their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. With Jackson on board, the Bears are hoping to create a more solid foundation on their offensive line and improve their overall performance ².
It’s worth noting that the Lions, who are now without Jackson, may need to re-evaluate their offensive line strategy. However, with the Bears taking on Jackson’s contract, the Lions may be relieved to be free of the financial commitment ¹.
Overall, this trade is an interesting development in the NFL offseason, and it will be fascinating to see how Jackson performs with the Bears and how the Lions adjust to his departure.