As the NFL offseason progresses, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a pivotal moment with one of their key players, left tackle Alaric Jackson. With free agency looming on March 12, 2025, speculation has swirled around Jackson’s future with the team that has nurtured his development from an undrafted free agent to a cornerstone of their offensive line. Recent reports indicate that the Rams and Jackson are nearing a long-term extension, a move that could solidify the team’s offensive front for years to come and signal their commitment to building around a talented, young lineman.
The Rise of Alaric Jackson
Alaric Jackson’s journey to this point is a testament to perseverance and opportunity. Born on July 14, 1998, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Jackson played college football at the University of Iowa, where he earned recognition as a solid offensive tackle. Despite his collegiate success, he went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, a moment that could have derailed many careers. Instead, Jackson signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent, beginning a slow but steady ascent.
His rookie season in 2021 was modest, with limited playing time as he acclimated to the NFL. However, he was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning roster, gaining valuable experience on a championship-caliber team. In 2022, Jackson began to carve out a role, starting six games and appearing in 12, showing flashes of potential as a reliable pass protector. His breakout came in 2023, when he secured the starting left tackle position, starting 15 games and logging 969 snaps. His performance earned him a second-round restricted free agent tender in 2024, worth $4.89 million, a sign of the Rams’ belief in his upside.
The 2024 season, however, was Jackson’s true coming-out party. After missing the first two games due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, he returned to start 14 consecutive games, anchoring the left side of an offensive line that helped the Rams secure an NFC West title and a playoff berth. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson posted a career-high overall grade of 78.4, ranking 17th among 59 qualified tackles with at least 611 snaps. His pass-blocking grade of 79.5 led all Rams linemen, and he allowed just three sacks in 893 snaps, proving his dependability in protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
The Contract Situation
Jackson played the 2024 season on the aforementioned one-year restricted free agent tender, which expires at the start of the new league year on March 12, 2025. As an unrestricted free agent, he would be free to negotiate with any team, a prospect that has undoubtedly motivated the Rams to lock him up before he hits the open market. Posts on X and various reports suggest that negotiations have gained momentum, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noting on February 28, 2025, that “the Rams and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson are getting close on a long-term extension.”
The financial stakes are significant. Spotrac projects Jackson’s market value at approximately $16 million per year, potentially totaling a three-year, $48 million deal. Other estimates vary, with Pro Football Focus suggesting a four-year, $58 million contract with $37.8 million guaranteed, reflecting his youth (he’s 26) and the premium placed on quality left tackles. For context, the Rams’ previous investment in left tackle Joe Noteboom—a three-year, $40 million deal in 2022—offers a benchmark, though Jackson’s production and potential could command a higher annual average value (AAV).
The Rams have options beyond a long-term deal. The franchise tag for an offensive lineman in 2025 is projected at $25.1 million, a hefty one-year price that could buy time for further negotiations or serve as a “prove-it” deal. However, ESPN’s Sarah Barshop has reported that the Rams are unlikely to use the tag, preferring a multi-year agreement that provides cap flexibility. A transition tag, valued at $22.75 million, is another possibility, allowing Jackson to negotiate elsewhere while giving the Rams the right to match any offer. Yet, the prevailing sentiment is that both sides want a long-term commitment.
Why the Rams Need Jackson
The Rams’ offensive line has been a rollercoaster in recent years. Following the retirement of legendary left tackle Andrew Whitworth after the 2021 Super Bowl, the team struggled to find stability. Jackson’s emergence has been a bright spot, particularly in 2024, when the line’s continuity in the second half of the season fueled a turnaround from a 1-4 start to an NFC West crown. His absence in the first two games underscored his importance—pass protection faltered without him, and his return coincided with improved performance across the unit.
With right tackle Rob Havenstein having just one year left on his deal and center Jonah Jackson losing his starting role to rookie Beaux Limmer in 2024, the Rams face uncertainty along the line. Retaining Alaric Jackson would provide a cornerstone at a premium position, offering stability for whoever lines up under center in 2025—whether it’s Stafford, who remains a question mark, or a successor. Jackson’s athleticism, durability, and improvement make him a linchpin for a team aiming to remain competitive.
The Market and Competition
If Jackson were to reach free agency, he’d be a hot commodity. Quality left tackles rarely hit the open market, and at 26, he’s among the youngest available options. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has speculated that Jackson “might have priced himself out of Los Angeles,” with teams like the Washington Commanders reportedly eyeing him for a potential $50 million deal. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco noted varying opinions among personnel evaluators—some love Jackson, others are lukewarm—but agreed that a starting left tackle of his caliber would draw significant interest.
The Rams, however, have a history of retaining homegrown talent before free agency begins. Last year, they extended right guard Kevin Dotson before he could test the market, and a similar approach with Jackson could preempt a bidding war. With roughly $40 million in cap space (potentially rising to $55 million depending on moves with players like Cooper Kupp), the Rams have the resources to make it work, especially if they structure the deal to backload the cap hits.
What’s Next?
As of February 28, 2025, the Rams and Jackson appear to be in the final stages of negotiations. A three-year deal in the $48-60 million range, with an AAV between $16-20 million, seems plausible, balancing Jackson’s value with the team’s other needs—like bolstering the linebacker corps or adding receiver depth. Such a contract would be a steal compared to top-tier left tackle deals (e.g., Tristan Wirfs’ $28 million AAV), reflecting Jackson’s status as a very good, but not elite, player at his position.
For the Rams, securing Jackson is more than a roster move—it’s a statement of intent. After a season of surprises, from rookie standout Jared Verse to Jackson’s own breakout, the team is poised to build on its 2024 success. Extending Jackson would ensure that the offensive line, a critical factor in that success, remains a strength. For Jackson, staying in Los Angeles offers continuity with a system and coaching staff that have maximized his potential, potentially paired with a payday that rewards his meteoric rise.
As the clock ticks toward free agency, all signs point to a resolution soon. Rams fans can breathe a bit easier knowing that their left tackle of the present—and likely the future—may not be going anywhere.
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