Jonah Jackson, who has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions, is making a move in free agency, which started on Monday.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Jackson has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Rams. According to Garafolo, Jackson signed a three-year contract worth $51 million, with $34 million guaranteed.
The #Rams have agreed to terms with G Jonah Jackson on a three-year, $51 million deal with $34 million guaranteed, sources say.
A big payday for Jackson, who will join the recently re-signed Kevin Dotson as L.A. pours big money into the middle of their offensive line. pic.twitter.com/iADLjj7a2Y
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
Drafted by the Lions in the third round (No. 75 overall) in 2020, Jackson quickly became a crucial part of Detroit’s offensive line, starting as a rookie and appearing in almost every game of his NFL career. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and contributed to the Lions’ return to the NFL playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
Hailing from Media, Pennsylvania, Jackson was a two-year starter at Rutgers, where he played both guard and center. He started six games at center in 2017 and all 12 games at guard the following year, earning honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition for his performances. Rutgers ranked second in the Big Ten and 19th nationally in sacks allowed per game during Jackson’s time on the offensive line. He was also named a captain in his final year at Rutgers.
In 2019, Jackson transferred to Ohio State as a graduate transfer, choosing the Buckeyes over offers from Oklahoma and Texas. He quickly became the starting left guard for Ohio State, contributing to one of the nation’s best offensive line units, which aided running back J.K. Dobbins’ record-breaking season and protected Heisman Trophy finalist Justin Fields.
In Los Angeles, Jackson could reunite with former Ohio State teammate Jordan Fuller, who currently plays as the starting safety for the Rams. The Rams had a surprising 10-7 season in 2023, making it to the playoffs but losing to Jackson and the Lions in the Wild Card round.
