Turf Show Times
LT Alaric Jackson is set to hit free agency after a strong 2024 campaign
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson had the best season of his four-year career in 2024, and will hit free agency this offseason. Jackson is primed for a significant payday based on his production this season—but are the Rams willing to spend a fortune to keep him?
ESPN reporter Sarah Barshop listed Jackson as LA’s top re-signing decision ahead of the free agency period:
“The Rams have a few decisions to make on their offensive line, and tackle could be a position they address early in the draft. Los Angeles doesn’t have a left tackle in waiting, and right tackle Rob Havenstein has only one year left on his deal. According to ESPN Analytics, Jackson had the best season of his four-year NFL career, posting career highs in pass block win rate (90.3%) and run block win rate (78.1%). Jackson could return after testing the market but isn’t likely the long-term solution at left tackle.”
The Iowa product went undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft and has started 38 out of 46 games, including the postseason. He was the only member of his draft class to start more than 40 games at left tackle in college. Jackson has gradually made his way up the ranks to become a serviceable starter along the offensive line.
PFF’s Bradley Locker cited Jackson as an “underrated, not undervalued” player, and named him as one of 10 offensive free agents who deserve to be paid:
“In a class littered with solid offensive linemen, Jackson feels like the sleeping giant. His 78.4 PFF overall grade ranks fifth among all offensive players set to become free agents, and Jackson was one of only 13 qualified tackles with a 75.0-plus PFF grade in both pass blocking and run blocking this season.
Just 26, Jackson has played 1,000 or more snaps in each of the past two years but given up only four sacks. The former Iowa Hawkeye feels like the perfect example of a player destined to get paid more than most anticipate.”
Quality linemen are hard to find across the NFL, especially in free agency. The Rams would be foolish to let a player like Jackson go after the production he put up this season. However, it’s doubtful Les Snead will break the bank to re-sign him when other needs across the roster must be addressed.
If Jackson manages to get through free agency without receiving a top-market deal, LA must do everything in its power to bring him back at a reduced cost. Whether or not Matthew Stafford returns to the Rams, the front office has to continue building up the O-line for whoever starts under center in 2025 and beyond.
