February 28, 2025 – The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant move to solidify their offensive line, agreeing to terms with left tackle Alaric Jackson on a three-year, $57 million contract, according to reports from NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The deal, which includes $35 million in guaranteed money, ensures that quarterback Matthew Stafford will have his trusted blindside protector in place for years to come as the Rams aim to build on their recent success.
A Breakout Talent Stays Home
Alaric Jackson, a 26-year-old former undrafted free agent from Iowa, has emerged as one of the NFL’s promising young offensive linemen since joining the Rams in 2021. After a modest start to his career—playing sparingly as a rookie and splitting time between left tackle and right guard in 2022—Jackson seized the starting left tackle role in 2023 and has not looked back. His performance in the 2024 season, where he started 14 games following a two-game suspension, cemented his status as a key piece of the Rams’ offensive puzzle.
The Windsor, Ontario native’s journey from undrafted obscurity to a lucrative long-term contract is a testament to his work ethic and talent. In 2024, Jackson posted career highs in pass block win rate (90.3%) and run block win rate (78.1%), according to ESPN Analytics. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him with a 78.4 overall score, ranking him 18th among NFL tackles and fifth among offensive players slated to hit free agency this offseason. Over the past two seasons, Jackson has played over 1,000 snaps each year, surrendering just four sacks—an impressive feat for a player tasked with protecting Stafford’s blindside.
Sources: The #Rams and LT Alaric Jackson have agreed to a 3-year, $57M deal with $35M guaranteed, keeping him in Los Angeles to protect Matthew Stafford.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
Jackson, who was set to be a top free agent in a few weeks, will now remain with the Rams as they lock in the 26-year-old… pic.twitter.com/OuUQ3Mc3Iw
The Deal: A Strategic Move for the Rams
The three-year, $57 million contract, with $35 million guaranteed, reflects the Rams’ commitment to maintaining continuity on an offensive line that has been a strength in recent years. Reports earlier in the day from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated that the two sides were nearing an extension, with negotiations progressing swiftly. The finalized agreement, reported just hours later, keeps Jackson off the free-agent market, where he was expected to draw significant interest from teams like the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears.
The deal’s annual average value of $19 million places Jackson among the higher-paid left tackles in the league, though still below the top tier occupied by players like Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata ($22 million per year). Given Jackson’s age, production, and the premium placed on quality offensive linemen, the contract could prove to be a bargain for the Rams if he continues to develop.
This move comes on the heels of another significant announcement: the Rams and Stafford agreed to a restructured contract earlier today, ensuring the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s return for a fifth season in Los Angeles. Locking in both Stafford and Jackson on the same day signals a clear intent to keep the offensive core intact as the Rams look to capitalize on their 2024 playoff appearance.
Why Jackson Matters
The importance of a reliable left tackle cannot be overstated, particularly for a quarterback like Stafford, who at 37 years old relies heavily on a clean pocket to operate effectively. Jackson’s emergence has been a stabilizing force for an offensive line that faced uncertainty following the retirement of legendary tackle Andrew Whitworth in 2022. Initially, the Rams turned to Joe Noteboom, signing him to a three-year, $40 million deal to succeed Whitworth. However, Noteboom struggled to hold down the starting role, paving the way for Jackson to step in.
Since taking over, Jackson has outperformed expectations, providing the Rams with a cost-effective solution at a premium position—until now, when his play demanded a substantial pay raise. His durability (starting all 29 games he’s appeared in over the past two seasons) and versatility (having played both tackle and guard early in his career) add to his value. In 2024, Jackson’s 79.2 pass-blocking grade ranked 20th among tackles, per PFF, while his minimal penalties (just three in 2023) and low sack totals underscore his dependability.
The Bigger Picture for the Rams
The Rams’ decision to extend Jackson aligns with their broader offseason strategy. General manager Les Snead has already taken steps to bolster the offensive line in recent years, re-signing right guard Kevin Dotson and adding Jonah Jackson (no relation to Alaric) in free agency last offseason. With right tackle Rob Havenstein under contract through 2025, the Rams now have four of their five starting linemen secured for the foreseeable future, assuming center Steve Avila—who transitioned from guard in 2024—remains in the fold.
This continuity is critical for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Rams’ offensive line allowed the seventh-lowest sack rate in the NFL in 2023 (5.5%), a trend that continued into 2024 despite early injuries and Jackson’s suspension. Protecting Stafford, who remains one of the league’s most effective passers when upright, is paramount, especially as the team navigates a competitive NFC West.
However, the Rams face other roster decisions this offseason. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and several defensive contributors, such as linebacker Troy Reeder and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, are also pending free agents. With an estimated $46 million in cap space entering the 2025 offseason, per Over The Cap, the Rams have room to maneuver, but Jackson’s deal—combined with Stafford’s restructured contract—will eat into that flexibility. Snead’s preference for avoiding the franchise tag (projected at $25.1 million for an offensive lineman) likely motivated the team to secure Jackson long-term before free agency began on March 12.
What’s Next?
For Jackson, the new contract is both a reward for his breakout performance and a challenge to elevate his game further. At 26, he’s still young for an offensive lineman, with room to refine his technique and potentially climb into the elite tier at his position. His size (6-foot-7, 344 pounds) and athleticism make him a formidable presence, but consistency will be key as he faces top-tier pass rushers in the years ahead.
For the Rams, the focus now shifts to filling remaining roster gaps, whether through free agency or the draft. Offensive tackle was a position of concern entering the offseason, with some analysts suggesting the Rams might target a prospect with their No. 26 pick in the first round. Jackson’s extension alleviates that pressure, allowing Snead and head coach Sean McVay to address other needs—perhaps reinforcing the secondary or adding depth at wide receiver.
A Win for Both Sides
The agreement between the Rams and Alaric Jackson is a win-win. The Rams retain a proven starter at a critical position, avoiding the uncertainty of free agency or the draft. Jackson, meanwhile, secures life-changing money and the stability of staying with the team that gave him his NFL shot. As the 2025 season looms, Los Angeles fans can rest easier knowing their quarterback’s blindside is in capable hands—a foundation that could propel the Rams back to contender status in the NFC.
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