Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

Cameron DaSilva
Rams Wire

Matthew Stafford won’t have to worry much about his blindside when he drops back to throw. It’ll continue to be protected by left tackle Alaric Jackson.

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Rams and Jackson have agreed to terms on a long-term extension, keeping the young left tackle in Los Angeles. Jackson was set to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career but he will remain with the Rams for the next several years.

The deal is for three years with a total value of $57 million. Jackson gets $35 million guaranteed, as well, a big payday for the talented lineman.

I'm extremely happy about this! he's gone from a UDFA to being a very solid LT--and he's still getting better! I know he's better than average, but many forget he, alone held Myles Garrett to ZERO sacks when we last played the Brownies! Hopefully, he works on his strength to become elite.

When he's reporting good news, Jordan Schultz is the best!

Fair contract for both sides, imo.

Guess the Stafford domino had to drop.

Less than the tag, and, I don’t know what happened with the suspension, but it wasn’t a long term concern.

Nice piece of business.

ramsrams wrote:Fair contract for both sides, imo.

Guess the Stafford domino had to drop.

Less than the tag, and, I don’t know what happened with the suspension, but it wasn’t a long term concern.

Nice piece of business.

Yes really didnt want to have to chase a contract for LT in free agency. Now I just hope Havs can give us another year and we draft our future RT in the 2025 draft.

actionjack wrote:Yes really didnt want to have to chase a contract for LT in free agency. Now I just hope Havs can give us another year and we draft our future RT in the 2025 draft.

I believe KT Leviston will get a chance to compete at RT/Swing as a developmental backup. He played LT at Kansas State. I too think they will be drafting bother interior and OTs in this draft as it has some depth. They are always trying to upgrade the OL 1-10.

We bringing everyone back.!!!!!!

safer wrote:I'm extremely happy about this! he's gone from a UDFA to being a very solid LT--and he's still getting better! I know he's better than average, but many forget he, alone held Myles Garrett to ZERO sacks when we last played the Brownies! Hopefully, he works on his strength to become elite.

He reminds me of another Donald Penn who played for the Raiders in the 2010’s.

This puts him between Decker and Matthews in terms of contracts. More than his worth but not as much as they might have caved for. It's a 3 year deal so Jackson needs to continue to improve and most of all show consistency.

What this does is change the dynamic of their draft. Their two highest priorities were QB and LT. LT is now taken care of. We don't know about QB until we see the structure of Matt's contract. As a devil's advocate, it doesn't dismiss the idea of a QB in the first round. In fact it might elevate it. Why? Because of the 5th year option. Let's assume, Stafford starts for two more years. As a first round pick they still control the rookie's contract for another 3 years beyond that. It also gives the rookie two years to completely immerse himself in the transition to the NFL and understand the techniques he must master at this level.

Someone like Leonard might be on their board. Then this insures a better transition when it does happen. Guys like Mahomes and Brady were backups their rookie years. Rodgers was QB2 behind Farve for 3 years. IMO a lot of the failures of rookie QBs is that they never had that time to assimilate and learn before starting. Look at Mayfield, who took years to develop. Lawrence has struggled since year one and he's like the majority of rookie QBs. Even Hurts didn't play particularly well as a rookie QB.

Signing Jackson reduces their draft needs significantly which is why the Rams were willing to spend more on him than they otherwise might have. With no second round pick their low first round pick takes on added value. A #26 pick is pretty much the same as a high second round pick with only one significant advantage, i.e. 5th year option. It's going to pay huge dividends when it comes time to extend Verse.

So absolutely signing Jackson changes their draft significantly. Jackson needs to work on his footwork, strength, and hand technique. I'm sure Wendell's assessment was very important. I think Wendell is one of the more underrated assistants on this staff we saw the mess the OL was under Zak Kromer's father Aaron was. This offense works with Stafford only because this OL under Wendell has been very good. IMO it probably was part of the equation in Stafford's decision not to go to either Vegas or NY both OLs ranked in the bottom 3rd of the NFL. All that money is of little value if he's getting beat to hell every week.

Right now RT is the only spot on the OL left undetermined.

ramsman34 wrote:I believe KT Leviston will get a chance to compete at RT/Swing as a developmental backup. He played LT at Kansas State. I too think they will be drafting bother interior and OTs in this draft as it has some depth. They are always trying to upgrade the OL 1-10.

I rather see him inside, at LG
he is 6-4 336lbs, had a whole year to build up his strength.
Then move Avila to Center.

LT/AJ, 6-7-345, LG/KTL, 6-4-336, C/Avila, 6-3-338, RG/Dotson, 6-4-330, RT/R-Hav, 6-8-330

This would be a massive OL to protect MS and open up big holes for our RBs!!!

Draft in the 3rd round pick for a LT, that would be able to play swing,
for the future RT once R-Hav retires.

And draft a G/C in the 6th rd.