Alaric Jackson's latest performance deserves a no-haggle extension from the Rams

The LA Rams invested heavily in the offensive line in 2024. The team not only extended IOL Kevin Dotson and OT Alaric Jackson, but the team signed FA IOL Jonah Jackson. Even after all that, the front office was not finished. The selected Arkansas rookie IOL Beaux Limmer and Kansas State OL K.T. Leveston. Still unsatisfied, the team signed USC IOL rookie Justin Dedich and Augustana OT rookie Blake Larson after the 2024 NFL Draft. Of the group, only Blake Larson is no longer with the team. The team recognized the importance of thickening the OL depth.

With all of the new faces on the Rams roster, it's easy to gravitate toward the new players and overlook the contributions of steady and consistent performers like starting left tackle Alaric Jackson. What do I mean? Did you notice his Week 14 performance?

Alaric Jackson is not getting older. He's getting better. Much better.

So why am I raising the topic of extending Alaric Jackson? Well, his extension for 2024 was a bargain, but is just a one-year deal that expires at the end of the 2024 NFL season. And if you weren't taking notes earlier in the season, the Rams offensive line struggles when Jackson does not suit up at left tackle.

While I never recommend relying exclusive on Pro Football Focus grades for a variety of reasons, the starting left tackle is amassing a solid season both at run and pass blocking. And you have to factor in the fact that he has played alongside both Justin Dedich and Steve Avila at left guard. To many fans, that means little. But for those who dig deeper, the performance of offensive linemen can fluctuate significantly depending on who lines up beside them and how consistently they suit up.

Alaric Jackson is playing very well right now, and continue to show steady improvement. Just check out his grades for 2024:

The Rams will do themselves no favors by exploring many options at offensive tackle. The team knows Alaric Jackson, Jackson knows the Rams, and he is doing very well for the team.

The Rams will likely have to make an offer of at least comparable terms to that of 2024 signed free agent Jonah Jackson with three-years at a minimum of $51 million. But due to the fact that Alaric Jackson plays well as the premium position of left tackle, a three-year deal could easily inflate to $60 million or more.

But considering the alternative, it's worth every penny. Thanks for reading.

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