One of the first big moves in the NFL free agency negotiating window saw guard Jonah Jackson agree to terms on a rich new deal with the Los Angeles Rams. The widely reported deal, which won’t be official until Wednesday, will earn Jackson $51 million over three years, with $34 million fully guaranteed.
With that comes the end of Jackson’s time in Detroit. The one-time Pro Bowler has been the Lions’ starting left guard for the last four seasons. While many expected Jackson to leave in free agency, the reaction to his departure has seen some dramatic takes.
Here are some of the top reactions to Jackson getting paid big money to leave the Lions.
Good point about the draft class
I’m sure the Lions would’ve loved to keep Jonah Jackson, but guard is usually a good spot to address in the draft. You’re not scouting many projects with limited starts at that position. You’re getting 3-, 4-, even 5-year players who are developed and ready to roll.
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) March 11, 2024
No vested interest in this opinion
I watched almost every snap Jonah Jackson played last season. And I wouldn’t want to be paying him $17M a year. when I’m already paying another OG big money.
Jackson is a solid player, but the issues in pass protection would definitely concern me at this rate. https://t.co/L5b25b8Rbz
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 11, 2024
Rams fans seem over the moon
Jonah Jackson is a DAWG pic.twitter.com/LFILTdfZeB
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) March 11, 2024
Reminder: Jonah Jackson is a Pro Bowler and has familiarity with Matthew Stafford. The #Rams got a good one. This OL is going to be disgusting. Kyren Williams stock WAY UP
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) March 11, 2024
Jackson as a medical risk
Jonah Jackson had multiple different injuries in 2023
-L high ankle sprain, missed 3g
-wrist injury, 2g
-L meniscus, missed last 1.5g of seasonThe wrist and meniscus are potential long-term concerns…
— Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) March 11, 2024
The Rams copying the Lions?
Rams signing Jonah Jackson is further evidence of the transformation of Sean McVay. They’ve gone from smaller athletic OL to now harvesting big maulers to run it right at you and to protect Matthew Stafford.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 11, 2024
Correct assumption
Good deal for Glasgow, iOL growth in the mid-level as well.
Guessing this means perhaps Jonah Jackson has been priced out of Detroit https://t.co/OYPgs5G8I1
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) March 11, 2024
Some fan reactions
Thank you, Jonah Jackson! Good luck with the Rams!
— LJ Sabin (@3EyesBlind_13) March 11, 2024
Losing Jonah Jackson is going to hurt a lot more than what Twitter is making it seems to be
— Tð °ï¸HJ (@UItraDraco) March 11, 2024
With Jonah Jackson going to the Rams, who the heck takes over at LG?
Stick with Sorsdal/Awosika? Move Glasgow to LG, Sorsdal to the right, since he played RT in college?
I don’t love it
— MF Griever (@JayKayWells) March 11, 2024
that jonah jackson signing was crazy! all that for 12 games a year….
— _bil (@_bil) March 11, 2024
The Jonah Jackson deal is an absurd overpay imo. He’s my top candidate for Laken of the offseason (benefitted from good surrounding and vastly overpayed)
— Just End The Season (@3rdandL0ng) March 11, 2024