Patience has usually been the Rams’ modus operandi with free agency. Wait and let the market develop before striking.
But on Monday, the first day NFL teams were allowed to speak with free agents, the Rams made a big move, agreeing to terms with guard Jonah Jackson, a source confirmed.
A commitment of $51 million with $34 million guaranteed over three years, according to reports, continues the Rams’ construction of an offensive line to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
A Pro Bowler following the 2021 season, Jackson, 27, has missed four and five games due to injury in 2022 and 2023, respectively. But the former third-round pick has been one of the best run-blocking guards since entering the NFL in 2020 with his 6-foot-4, 311-pound frame.
Just last week, the Rams re-signed right guard Kevin Dotson to a three-year contract worth $48 million. Dotson, 27, was a late addition to the Rams roster prior to the 2023 season opener for two late-round pick swaps. He quickly picked up the team’s new duo blocking scheme and started the last 14 games.
Still, Rams general manager Les Snead said he expected Dotson to hit free agency and test his market when speaking with reporters two weeks ago. But the team made sure that didn’t happen with an aggressive offer before he could speak with other teams.
The Rams showed similar aggression with Jackson, agreeing to a deal two hours into the legal tampering period. Following Dotson’s signing, Jackson could be viewed as more of a luxury than a need for the Rams, with second-round pick Steve Avila coming off an all-rookie team season at left guard.
But starting center Coleman Shelton voided the final year of his contract and entered free agency. He was a player the Rams wanted to re-sign. They spoke with his representation last month, and head coach Sean McVay said he wanted to retain Shelton’s leadership at the line of scrimmage.
But with Jackson’s signing, Shelton’s time with the Rams appears to be over….
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