The Rams have already sorted out their quarterback situation for 2025. Questions remain at the left tackle spot, but that may not be the case for much longer. 
Progress is being made on a long-term extension as it pertains to left tackle Alaric Jackson, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. No deal is in place at this point, but Fowler notes one can be expected to be finalized in the near future. At the moment, Jackson is on track for unrestricted free agency.
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The 26-year-old has been with Los Angeles for all four years of his career. Jackson played sparingly during his debut campaign, then split his time between left tackle and right guard in 2022. The former UDFA then handled full-time blindside duties beginning the following year, grading out as the 43rd-best tackle in terms of PFF evaluation.
Without a replacement in place, it came as little surprise the Rams placed a second-round RFA tender on Jackson last offseason to prevent a potential departure. That move allowed the Windsor, Ontario native to collect $4.89MM last season. Upon serving a two-game suspension at the start of the campaign, Jackson resumed his place atop the depth chart at the left tackle spot.
In the wake of Andrew Whitworth‘s retirement, Joe Noteboom was tapped as the team’s successor on the blindside. The latter signed a three-year, $40MM deal with the expectation of handling a full-time starting role. Jackson has supplanted him in that capacity, though, and he will be in place for years to come if he and the Rams can reach agreement on a deal.
In 2024, Jackson registered a 78.4 PFF grade – by far the best of his career and a mark good for 18th amongst tackles. He allowed fewer quarterback hits, hurries and pressures than the previous campaign, and expectations will thus remain high with respect to pass protection in particular moving toward. Provided Jackson inks a Rams deal soon, one of the top pending free agent linemen (at tackle or any other spot) will come off the market. Jourdan Rodrigue recently noted strong interest will exist in the event he becomes available (subscription required).
Given today’s update, though, it is increasingly unlikely that will be the case. A raise compared to 2024 will no doubt be in order for Jackson on a long-term pact, one which will provide the Rams with clarity on the blindside if and when it is finalized.