The Chicago Bears made a big move to shore up the offensive line by trading for Los Angeles Rams guard Jonah Jackson, which will become official when the new league year begins on March 12. Chicago is parting ways with a Day 3 pick in exchange.
The offensive line is the biggest concern facing the Bears this offseason, especially the interior, the entirety of which needs to be replaced. Jackson fills the role of left guard with center and right guard still to be addressed. Although, it won’t be cheap. Chicago is taking on the remainder of Jackson’s three-year, $51 million contract, which includes a $17.5 million salary cap hit in 2025, per Spotrac.
But how does the Jackson trade impact Chicago’s draft picks in 2025?
What the Bears gave up for Jonah Jackson
Chicago traded a 2025 sixth-round pick to Los Angeles for Jackson. It’s pick No. 197, which the Bears received from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for quarterback Justin Fields last offseason.
Bears’ updated 2025 draft picks
- Round 1, Pick 10
- Round 2, Pick 39 (from Panthers)
- Round 2, Pick 41
- Round 3, Pick 72
- Round 5, Pick 149
- Round 7, Pick 235 (from Bengals)
- Round 7, Pick 242 (from Vikings)
Top position needs
- Offensive line
- Edge rusher
- Running back
- Tight end
The Bears have a number of needs that need to be addressed this offseason, most notably in the trenches. That starts along the offensive line, where right tackle Darnell Wright, and now Jonah Jackson, are the only players guaranteed back on the starting unit. Braxton Jones will be back, but Chicago could find an upgrade. Still, the rest of the interior of the offensive line needs to be replaced.
Chicago has struggled to get after the quarterback, even with stud Montez Sweat on the roster. The Bears need to find a complement opposite him to really elevate a pass rush that has been stagnant since Khalil Mack was traded when Ryan Poles took over.
Elsewhere, Chicago needs to add some depth at tight end behind starter Cole Kmet after Gerald Everett’s release. While D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson are on the roster, the Bears are expected to add to the running back room.