Left tackle Alaric Jackson is reportedly returning for a fifth season with the Los Angeles Rams.
Jackson and the Rams agreed Friday to a three-year, $57 million contract with $35 million in guaranteed money, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Jackson was previously set to hit free agency in March. His new contract will make him the ninth highest-paid left tackle in the NFL in terms of average annual salary, per Over the Cap.
The news comes hours after the Rams announced quarterback Matthew Stafford will return for the 2025 season.
Jackson joined Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent ahead of the team’s Super Bowl-winning season in 2021. He broke out as a key part of the Rams’ offensive line in 2023, when he started 15 regular-season games and a wild card contest at left tackle.
He finished the 2023 season having allowed 1.0 sacks, tied for first among offensive tackles with at least 500 snaps played, Stu Jackson reported for the team’s website.
Jackson returned last season on a $4.34 million base salary thanks to the restricted free agent tender the Rams placed on him in March.
He missed the first two games of the season due to a suspension. The importance of Jackson’s work at left tackle became clear when the Rams’ pass protection ranked as the worst in the NFL by Week 2.
Jackson returned and finished out the season having allowed 3.0 sacks on 893 snaps played, per Pro Football Focus.
After the offensive line’s weaknesses were exposed during the playoff loss to the Eagles, bringing Jackson back will key to the Rams’ efforts to build a stronger OL this offseason.
