It'd be crazy to think that the Los Angeles Rams could be at a point where their entire starting offensive line may be in danger of being replaced next offseason, but after five weeks of football, their uncertain future is alarming – especially if Matthew Stafford plans to keep playing in 2027.
Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, and Warren McClendon Jr. are all in the final years of their contracts, and none of them seem to be on the verge of an extension any time soon. Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Davante Adams and others are waiting on deals, as well, with the team likely buying time to figure out their strategy for the future before shelling out hundreds of millions.
Now, left tackle Alaric Jackson finds himself in the hottest of waters.
After signing an extension in 2025, Jackson was involved in a situation this past June where he was arrested for felony domestic battery. Already having been suspended by the NFL under its personal conduct policy in 2024, Jackson could face a longer suspension at some point because of that incident.
Then, on Monday night, Jackson struck Buffalo Bills defender Bradley Chubb in the face, resulting in a two-game suspension, which was reduced to one. Sean McVay said this week that Jackson has to “consistently do a better job” representing the Rams after the off-field issues he’s had the last three years.
Since Andrew Whitworth retired, Jackson is the only reason the Rams have had stability with the unit after Joe Noteboom failed to succeed the Super Bowl champion.
The 2027 season marks the final year of Jackson's deal, which gives the Rams an out. If they were to release him this offseason, they would save $19.4 million.
Those savings could essentially cover Shelton and McClendon's deals for next season. The issue is that replacing a left tackle is extremely difficult, and the Rams lack the top draft picks to do so with a cheap rookie. The Rams need players who stay on the field, and Jackson's actions have proven he can't guarantee that.
So with a looming bill this offseason, and almost $20 million in potential savings, Jackson is currently working his way out of a Rams uniform. How he responds from this point forward will define his NFL career, a career that appears to be at the crossroads.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Alaric Jackson's suspension prompts questions about his Rams future
