More context around the Los Angeles Rams’ decision to sign offensive tackle D.J. Humphries has come to light in the aftermath, and it appears the decision was need-based amid questions about starting left tackle Alaric Jackson.
Jackson is one of the remaining members of the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl team. He is navigating a familiar health scare that spurred the team to sign Humphries.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed the news on Friday.
“#Rams OT Alaric Jackson, a key member of the O-line who just signed an extension, is dealing with blood clots once again, per The Insiders,” Rapoport reported on X on June 13. “Similar to what he had in 2022. While the belief is he’ll play in 2025, there are still questions. That explains the DJ Humphries signing.”
Jackson, who turns 27 in July, has started his last 35 appearances going back to the start of the 2022 season.
He has missed five games since returning to the Rams’ starting lineup to open 2023.
Protecting the quarterback is essential for every team, but especially one with an aging quarterback like 37-year-old Rams veteran Matthew Stafford. He has lost some mobility over the years and has dealt with injuries, underscoring the significance of Jackson’s injury for the Rams.
Rams Paid Up to Keep Alaric Jackson
GettyAlaric Jackson #77 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to block during a game against the Green Bay Packers.
Pro Football Focus graded Jackson 18th overall, 19th in run blocking, and 23rd in pass protection. He ranked first, third, and first among the Rams’ offensive linemen in those same categories.
Arguably most ominous for the Rams, Jackson signed a three-year, $57.7 million contract this past offseason. The deal included $30 million in guaranteed money.
The Rams’ first feasible opportunity to move on will come in 2027.
Before then, they will see at most $6.8 million in savings, which would be in 2026 and carries an $18 million dead cap charge. The Rams would incur $20 million in dead salary cap charges if they cut Jackson, though language in his contract may protect LA in the event of injuries.
According to Over The Cap, Jackson’s contract ranks 11th in guaranteed money among left tackles. It is also 12th in total and average annual value.
Paying a player just outside the top 10 among their peers speaks volumes.
It is just another note underscoring the Rams’ decision to explore their options in free agency despite having players in-house like Warren McClendon Jr., or even the recently signed David Quessenberry, as potential replacements for Jackson.
Rams Announce D.J. Humphries
GettyD.J. Humphries #74 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
As with any deal, Humphries’ signing with the Rams was reported on before anything became official, even preceding news of Jackson’s looming injury concerns. The Rams remedied the former matter on Friday.
“We have signed OL D.J. Humphries to a 1-year deal,” the Rams announced on X on June 13.
Humphries, 31, has started all 100 games that he has played in during a nine-year career. He spent most of that career with the Rams’ NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals.
He spent 2024 with the Kansas City Chiefs, starting two contests. The terms of Humphries’ contract are not yet public. OTC has the Rams at $19.4 million in space, pending an adjustment to account for their newest addition.
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