Latest news with #JonahJackson
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jonah Jackson explains what he brings to Bears offensive line room
Jonah Jackson explains what he brings to Bears offensive line room The Chicago Bears made it a priority to shore up the offensive line this offseason, where they made some big moves with the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and free-agent signing of center Drew Dalman. Following a disastrous 5-12 season, the Bears made some big changes starting with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach. With that came a new focus on building around second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times in 2024, specifically when it came to the offensive line. Now, Chicago has built a wall in front of Williams with an entirely new interior trio, including Jackson, who has something to prove after dealing with adversity in 2024. Jackson explained what he brings to the offensive line room, where it's clear he'll play a key leadership role in a somewhat young group. "What I bring to the offensive line room, in a leadership role, is my work ethic, my effort and strain down-in and down-out," Jackson told Go Long's Tyler Dunne. "I feel like my ability to jell the group together, we always used to joke around and call me the glue: Elmer's Glue. Bringing the group together as a tough-nosed O-lineman ready to work and protect the guy behind me." The Bears offensive line has long been a source of contention, but it's clear it's a top priority with Johnson taking over the reins. One of the biggest reasons for the Lions' turnaround during Johnson's tenure as offensive coordinator was their offensive line, which is widely considered one of the best in the league. While we won't know for sure how well this group jells together until they hit the field -- and more additions could be coming -- this group is already a heck of a lot better than last year's group that made life miserable for Williams in his rookie season. And having leaders like Jackson in that room will go a long way. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jonah Jackson believes he can win a Super Bowl with Bears
Jonah Jackson believes he can win a Super Bowl with Bears The Chicago Bears are coming off a 5-12 season that included a 10-game losing streak, some deflating losses and a mid-season head coach firing. And yet, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the direction of this franchise after an impactful offseason. The Bears hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach, and it signaled the start of a new culture that players are already gravitating towards. For some, like new right guard Jonah Jackson, it even has them believing they can go all the way. Jackson recently spoke to Go Long's Tyler Dunne, where he talked about his adversity after signing a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams and then suffering a fractured scapula in Week 2 and ultimately lost his starting job. He was traded to Chicago before the start of free agency, where he'll get a fresh start. And just like last year's Bears, Jackson is looking for redemption -- and even a Super Bowl ring. "All that matters is how you bounce back," Jackson said. "I'm excited to get back to it and string a full season together and get a damn ring." Jackson knows a little something about turning around a storied franchise as he was part of the turnaround with Johnson in Detroit, where the Lions won their first postseason game in 32 years in Jackson's final season there in 2023. Now, he's looking to help turn things around in Chicago. "Screw the personal accolades," Jackson said. "It's to win it all. The Bears are such a historic franchise and they've been there before. We're excited to be a part of a turnaround. "I've been a part of a turnaround before, and we can definitely do it again." Despite Chicago's struggles last season, there are some core pieces in place on this roster, starting with quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, as well as defensive end Montez Sweat. With Johnson already instilling a dominating, winning mentality, we'll see if he can turn this team into contenders. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
USA Today
11-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jonah Jackson called Rams benching humiliating but humbling
Jonah Jackson called Rams benching humiliating but humbling Jackson played just four games for the Rams after suffering injuries and being benched. Jonah Jackson's time with the Los Angeles Rams lasted almost exactly one year. The veteran offensive lineman signed a three-year, $51 million deal in March of 2024 and was traded to the Chicago Bears in March of 2025. In between, Jackson endured a season full of injuries and a benching that left him with just four games played — the fewest of his five-year career. Jackson detailed his brief time in L.A. with NFL reporter Tyler Dunne of Go Long. Jackson broke his scapula (his shoulder blade) during training camp, re-broke it after two games, missed six games and was benched after one game. Jackson, in Dunne's words, admitted that "the benching was downright humiliating" but that it was ultimately a blessing in disguise since it led to his eventual trade to the Bears and his ex-Detroit Lions coach, Ben Johnson. "Initially, he admits the benching was downright humiliating," Dunne wrote. "The O-Line room is full of alpha males who want to play. "Still, he believes he 'handled it like a champ' and did everything in his power to be a role model. After starting 63 games, practice was suddenly his gameday. He tried to make his Rams teammates better. '[Expletive] happens,' he says, 'and you just got to keep moving forward.' "He's only 28 years old. Jackson also told himself that McVay did him a favor. Playing only 266 snaps last season certainly extended his career — he felt fresh after the season. "As luck had it, the one coach who appreciates Jackson most took over the Bears and was willing to trade for him. The best possible outcome." The Rams replaced Jackson with Beaux Limmer during the 2024 season, but free-agent acquisition Coleman Shelton is slated to start in 2025. Jackson now will start for the Bears' revamped offensive line with Johnson as his coach again and Caleb Williams under center.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Bears, Lions, Vikings Make Key FA Signings But Packers Move Slowly
Jonah Jackson, Grady Jarrett and Joe Thuney (left to right) hope to provide the Chicago Bears with ... More key upgrades. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) The NFC North was the best division in the NFL throughout the 2024 regular season. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings battled for NFC superiority for 18 weeks, and the Lions wrestled the No. 1 seed away from their division rivals in the final game of the regular season. The Green Bay Packers surged during the second half and easily secured a Wild Card playoff spot. The only team that struggled was the Chicago Bears. A brutal Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders lit the fuse on a 10-game losing streak that ensured a last-place finish and led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus. The Vikings and the Packers fell apart in the Wild Card round of the playoffs and the Lions lost their divisional playoff home game to Washington. The Bears, Lions and Vikings have made moves in free agency that should make the NFC North an incredibly competitive division once again. However, the Packers appear to have fallen behind their rivals in free agency. The Bears got started with the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson away from the Lions. Johnson was recognized as the architect of the Lions' high-powered offense. He is expected to build an offense that will allow second-year quarterback Caleb Williams to thrive. The Bears traded for offensive guards Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jonah Jackson of the Los Angeles Rams to protect Williams and open holes in the running game. They have also signed free agent center Drew Dalman away from the Atlanta Falcons. Bears general manager Ryan Poles examined the team's offensive line and made these moves to strengthen a major weakness. Chicago also made a big move on defense by signing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, and the 10-year veteran has the quickness to clog the running lanes. While he is not a big man for the position at 6-0 and 288 pounds, his knowledge and instincts have helped him make the Pro Bowl twice in his career. The Lions were not about to rest on their laurels despite finishing the regular season with a 15-2 records. If Dan Campbell's team had a weakness last season, it was in the secondary. When the Lions couldn't get to the opposing quarterback, their defensive backfield was vulnerable. As a result, the Lions signed cornerback D.J. Reed away from the New York Jets. Reed is a 7-year veteran in the league, having played with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks in addition to the Jets. His first years in the league were ordinary, but he was a lock-down corner with the Jets last year and he should thrive with the Lions. In addition to bringing Reed aboard, the Lions retained linebacker Derrick Barnes, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and edge rusher Marcus Davenport. General manager Brad Holmes has proven to be one of the most astute personnel men in the NFL and retaining that trio will help the Lions remain strong NFC contenders again in 2025. Guard Will Fries hopes to give the Vikings improved interior blocking. (Photo by Bailey ... More Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Vikings were exposed in the regular-season finale against the Lions and the Wild Card loss to the Rams. Their interior offensive line failed to protect quarterback Sam Darnold, so general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly, both from the Indianapolis Colts. These two are expected to give J.J. McCarthy better protection at quarterback than Darnold received last year. The Vikings also re-signed running back Aaron Jones and traded for Jordan Mason of the 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been looking for a dynamic running game during his three seasons with the Vikings and he should have it with the 1-2 punch of Jones and Mason. The Packers have been relatively quiet to this point. Their biggest move has been signing offensive guard Aaron Banks away from the Niners. Green Bay gave him a four-year, $77 million contract. They also signed cornerback Nate Hobbs away from the Las Vegas Raiders. Hobbs inked a four-year, $44 million deal and the Packers are hoping that he can help shut down top NFC North receivers like Justin Jefferson of the Vikings and Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions. The Packers have eight selections in the upcoming draft, and they are likely to make their biggest moves when they host that huge offseason event April 24-26.
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears free agency: Ranking new additions by PFF grades
Bears free agency: Ranking new additions by PFF grades The Chicago Bears made it a priority to shore up the trenches in free agency, and they did just that through some big trades and signings. The Bears overhauled the entire interior offensive line with the acquisitions of guard Joe Thuney (via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs), guard Jonah Jackson (via trade with the Los Angeles Rams) and center Drew Dalman (via free agency). Chicago then turned its attention to the defensive line with the signings of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. They also added some depth to skill positions, including signing tight end Durham Smythe and wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay. With that in mind, here's a look at the Pro Football Focus grades for each of Chicago's new additions: 1. G Joe Thuney Overall grade : 80.0 : 80.0 Pass blocking : 80.0 : 80.0 Run blocking: 74.1 2. C Drew Dalman Overall grade : 78.8 : 78.8 Pass blocking : 66.6 : 66.6 Run blocking: 79.8 3. WR Olamide Zaccheaus Overall grade : 69.2 : 69.2 Passing : 69.7 : 69.7 Pass blocking : 69.0 : 69.0 Rushing : 62.8 : 62.8 Run blocking: 56.8 4. G Jonah Jackson Overall grade : 67.6 : 67.6 Pass blocking : 59.5 : 59.5 Run blocking: 68.8 5. DE Dayo Odeyingbo Overall grade : 66.1 : 66.1 Run defense : 56.8 : 56.8 Pass rush : 65.5 : 65.5 Tackling : 28.9 : 28.9 Coverage: 73.0 6. DT Grady Jarrett Overall grade : 62.1 : 62.1 Run defense : 61.5 : 61.5 Pass rush : 60.6 : 60.6 Tackling : 36.0 : 36.0 Coverage: 63.1 7. WR Devin Duvernay Overall grade : 59.3 : 59.3 Passing : 59.0 : 59.0 Rushing : 65.3 : 65.3 Run blocking: 48.5 8. TE Durham Smythe
