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Andrew Whitworth was not an easy player for the Los Angeles Rams to replace, both from a performance standpoint and a leadership one. Joe Noteboom failed to fill Big Whit's big shoes, but Alaric Jackson has done a great job at offensive tackle for the last three-plus years.
Heading into the 2026 season, Jackson is the Rams' only starting offensive lineman under contract for multiple years, with his deal set to expire after the 2027 campaign. He isn't under as much pressure as some other players in contract years, but given the importance of his position, he's an essential member of the offensive operation.
He comes in at No. 5 on our list of the Rams' 26 most important players.
How he got here
The Rams signed Jackson as an undrafted free agent in 2021 after he was a standout tackle at Iowa. He was heralded as one of the top undrafted rookies from that draft class, with the Rams landing an underrated gem after the draft concluded.
After his initial three-year deal ended, he was signed as a restricted free agent in 2024, keeping him on the team for one more year. Then in 2025, he signed a three-year, $57.75 million extension with the Rams, which runs through the 2027 season.
2025 stats
16 games (16 starts): 84.3 run-blocking grade, 74.8 pass-blocking grade, 38 pressures allowed, 4 sacks allowed
Projected role
There's only one thing that could prevent Jackson from maintaining his role as the Rams' starting left tackle: a potential suspension. Jackson was arrested this offseason after a physical altercation with his pregnant ex-girlfriend, during which he was accused of leaving bruises on her body.
Jackson was previously suspended two games in 2024 for another off-field incident, so if the NFL finds that he violated the personal conduct policy again, he could be potentially be suspended another six games this year. While Jackson could avoid criminal domestic violence charges, he may still be subject to discipline by the league.
In the meantime, he's projected to be the Rams' starting left tackle, as he has been for the last three years.
One thing to know
Jackson was excellent as a run blocker last season, earning an 84.3 grade in that area from Pro Football Focus. That ranked 10th among all offensive tackles, while his 74.8 pass-blocking grade was 21st at the position.
Why he's important
With how many quality pass rushers there are in the NFL these days, left tackles are undeniably important, as are right tackles. Blindside protectors have always been valuable but with how athletic edge rushers are now, left tackles have some of the most difficult jobs anywhere on the field.
We saw just how valuable Jackson is to the Rams last season when he was out for Week 17 against the Falcons. D.J. Humphries stepped in and allowed four pressures, one sack and committed two penalties, costing the Rams several big plays with his poor performance.
Humphries' grade in that game was 38.8, significantly lower than even Jackson's worst game, which was Week 1 against the Texans; he allowed two pressures and had a 54.6 grade in that game.
If Jackson is forced to miss time due to suspension or injury this season, the Rams will be in a tough spot because they don't have a quality replacement waiting behind him. It'll either be David Quessenberry, who couldn't beat out Humphries last year, or rookie Keagen Trost.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 5: LT Alaric Jackson
