Over the past few offseasons, the Los Angeles Rams have focused heavily on protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford, drafting and signing key offensive linemen such as Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, and re-signing center Coleman Shelton. The biggest move was locking up left tackle Alaric Jackson with a three-year contract worth up to $57 million, a decision that sparked debate given his injury history.
Jackson has had an uneven availability record, missing games due to blood clots, hamstring issues, and a suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy. Just three months after signing his extension in March, Jackson was again diagnosed with blood clots. While there is hope he will play this season, his health timeline remains uncertain.
Jackson’s situation raises questions about the Rams’ track record with contract extensions under general manager Les Snead. Though there have been successful deals, Snead has a history of extensions where players did not finish their contracts, including notable names with injury concerns like Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks. Jackson’s blood clot issues put him in a similar category.
The Rams’ gamble on Jackson reflects the urgency to secure a stable left tackle during their championship window, but his recurring medical problems have created uncertainty at a critical position. The team’s contingency plans have been questioned, especially since they signed DJ Humphries just a month before training camp as a potential backup option.
Ultimately, Jackson’s future with the Rams depends on how his health progresses. His extension was made with confidence in his ability to anchor the offensive line, but his recurring blood clot issues could make this another cautionary story in Les Snead’s history of risky extensions. The coming months will reveal whether Jackson can overcome these setbacks or if the Rams will face yet another costly challenge on the offensive line.
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