The Los Angeles Rams took an assertive approach on the second day of scouting combine workouts, securing key pieces for their offense. First, they reached an agreement to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford, then ensured his protection by re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson, another Super Bowl champion.
Jackson, 26, entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Iowa in 2021.
With his new contract, he now ranks as the 10th-highest-paid left tackle in total salary, though his standing in guaranteed money depends on the specifics of the deal.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Rams and Jackson agreed to a three-year, $57 million contract, including $35 million guaranteed, preventing him from hitting free agency. Schultz noted on X that Jackson, once expected to be a top free agent, will instead remain in Los Angeles to continue protecting Stafford.
“It’s been a significant day for the Rams: It began with a meeting that secured Stafford’s future in LA, and now they’ve locked in their franchise left tackle, Alaric Jackson, on a three-year, $57 million deal.”
Jackson has started 29 games over the past two seasons (2023-24). A reserve on the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl-winning squad, he was ranked 23rd among all offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus during the 2024 regular season.
Rams LT Alaric Jackson Beats Projection
The Rams are set to create additional cap space through planned trades involving wide receiver Cooper Kupp and offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. However, the financial impact of restructuring Matthew Stafford’s contract remains uncertain.
According to Over The Cap, the Rams are projected to have $44.1 million in cap space before accounting for these planned moves.
For Alaric Jackson, his new contract exceeds the projection made by Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti.
“Jackson wrapped up 2024 on a $4.9 million restricted tender, positioning himself for a significant pay increase in his first free agency opportunity,” Ginnitti wrote on February 11. “Our system projected him for a three-year, $48 million deal.”
Had the Rams not re-signed Jackson, he likely would have drawn substantial interest on the open market. In that context, the additional money spent beyond projections could prove to be a worthwhile investment.
NFL.com’s Greg Rosenthal noted on February 24 that Jackson’s development into a reliable left tackle might have made him too expensive for the Rams to retain.
By securing both Stafford and Jackson, the Rams have addressed two of their major offseason priorities and can now shift their focus to other roster needs.
Rams Can Focus on Remaining Needs
The Rams may still have work to do on their offensive line. Right tackle Rob Havenstein, who turns 33 in May, is set to carry the team’s third-highest cap hit in 2025 following the departures of Alaric Jackson and Cooper Kupp.
Kupp’s exit leaves a significant gap at wide receiver, and the team may also look to add a developmental quarterback this offseason.
Defensively, questions remain at linebacker and in the secondary, areas the Rams will need to address as they reshape their roster.
Matthew Stafford’s situation was the first major offseason domino to fall, shaping the team’s approach for the rest of the spring. Retaining Jackson was another key move, securing stability on the offensive line.
Now, the Rams must figure out how to take the next step—from coming up just short of the NFC Championship Game to making another Super Bowl run.
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