Pressure mounts on Rams to get this deal done, and it's not Matthew Stafford

Tik tok, tik tok. While the Los Angeles Rams and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford engage in a million-dollar game of chicken to see which side blinks first, the team's laundry list of personnel actions to prepare for the 2025 NFL season continues to grow. Yes, contract (re)negotiations to get Stafford willing to return to the Rams 2025 training camp take top billing for the team's offseason circuit, but it's not the only action needed.

In my mind, it's not even the most important contract this offseason

The Los Angeles Rams lucked out in a huge way when they started formerly undrafted Iowa left tackle Alaric Jackson to an NFL starter. While not an All-Pro, Jackson was more than 'serviceable,' as he took over the role from oft-injured swing tackle Joe Noteboom in 2022. Since then, Jackson has been the starting blind-side offensive tackle for the Rams offensive line for 2.5 years, suiting up for 2,285 offensive snaps, and being a dependable buttress on the left side of the Rams offensive line.

In the 2025 NFL Playoffs, he did not allow a single quarterback sack in 124 offensive snaps. That's not something that the team can be sure to get if they sign a free agent or draft his replacement.

Why do Rams face a huge void at left tackle in 2025?

The LA Rams signed Alaric Jackson to a second-round Qualifying Tender Offer in 2024. While that extension was certainly team-friendly in terms of cost for a starting left tackle, it kicked the can down the road over a true multi-year contract extension for the formidable left tackle. If the Rams needed proof that Jackson was worth a new multi-year deal by putting him on a one-year prove it deal in 2024, they certainly got all the proof needed.

Per Pro Football Focus, Jackson was a superb bargain at left tackle, suiting up for 893 offensive snaps, committing seven penalties and allowing three quarterback sacks. He put up a 79.5 grade at pass blocking, and a 75.9 grade at run blocking in 2024, very good numbers at left tackle. What's more, he is one of the few starting left tackles that are currently projected to hit free agency, and his market could be furiously active at his current projected fair market price that is estimated at approximately $15 million per year.

Multiple NFL teams are expected to bid for Jackson:

While the LA Rams are notoriously ineffective at outbidding multiple suitors for the services of a free agent, the team has plenty of incentive to get a deal down with Alaric Jackson in 2025. Here's why: