“Stunner in Chicago: Bears’ Big-Money Trade Target Could Be Axed”
In March, the Chicago Bears sent a sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for veteran offensive tackle Jonah Jackson.
The Bears subsequently gave him a one-year extension worth $12.5 million, a sign that they see him as at least a temporary replacement at right guard.
However, Johnson has suffered from injuries over his five years in the league, so if they recur in 2025, it may be a problem. After the 2025 season, Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron compiled a list of the most sensible players the Bears may cut. It was somewhat surprising that Jackson made the short list.
“Jackson was given a one-year extension, but he hasn’t even played a game for the Bears yet. What makes him on this list, then? Easy. On June 19, Leming wrote, “His cap hit,” before going on to elaborate.
OL Jonah Jackson wouldn’t be cut by the Chicago Bears, would he?
Leming said, “Jackson should still have a few ‘prime’ years left in the tank at just 28 years old.” He might be useful to this offensive line for the upcoming years, assuming he can maintain his health. His $25 million cap hit for 2026, however, might not work.
Leming added that the Bears would save $6.5 million and have $10.5 million in dead cap space if the release took place after June 1st.
“The most important consideration in the decision to sever ties would be money,” Leming continued. “But, aside from that, the Bears may decide to look for an upgrade around this time next year due to his inconsistent play and limited availability in recent years.”
Jackson’s reconnection with coach Ben Johnson is a crucial plot point in the story of his relocation to Chicago. T
Johnson was Jackson’s offensive coordinator and tight ends coach during their time together in Detroit.
They will reunite in Chicago after a season apart, with Jackson playing on a redesigned Bears offensive line that also has Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman as new interior starters.
It would be surprising if Jackson were fired a year after the Bears acquired him, given his relationship with Johnson. However, money probably won’t be the decisive factor. His health will.
An Overview of Johnson’s Career to Date
After impressive performances at Ohio State and Rutgers, Jackson was selected by the Lions in the third round (75th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He took over as the starting right guard right away, making 16 starts as a rookie during a season marred by COVID.
Jackson recorded over 1,000 plays in each of his first two seasons in the league, starting 32 of a possible 33 games, according to PFF.
His 2021 campaign, which ended with a Pro Bowl berth, was particularly noteworthy.
Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 311-pound lineman, isn’t among the finest in the game, but he can block passes and runs. All he has to do is remain healthy.
Jackson signed a three-year contract with the Rams after spending four years in Detroit, where head coach Sean McVay tried to move him inside to center.
Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve due to a fractured scapula, and he only made four starts during the season before being benched.
The two biggest things against him are probably his injury issues and a patchy 2024. Chicago might consider his cap savings to be too significant to defend if he doesn’t return to his 2021–23 level or sustains another injury.
Additionally, there’s always the chance to select a less expensive interior lineman in the 2026 draft.
Jackson might still be released if he doesn’t remain in the Bears’ starting lineup, even if his departure would be unexpected.
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