LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Jonah Jackson signed a big contract during the last NFL free agency period but didn’t back it up with a big season for the L.A. Rams.

He struggled some after four strong seasons with the Detroit Lions where he started most every game and was rewarded with a 2021 Pro Bowl appearance.

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He went to Los Angeles and had some uncharacteristically poor performances. He also played just four games and missed most of training camp due to a fractured scapula.

Jackson was also asked to play multiple positions, including some time at center. That’s an unnatural position that didn’t set him up for success. He played there twice in four games played, and didn’t make a super positive impression on his new team.

That prompted the Rams to reach out and tell Jackson he could seek a trade.

Head coach Ben Johnson wasn’t fazed by Jackson’s L.A. experience. Not one bit. After working with him for four seasons in Detroit, the new Bears head coach had full confidence that Jackson could find previous form.

That’s why the Bears were aggressive trading for him last week and extending his contract on Thursday evening.

“I know when I was in Detroit with Jonah, we talked like, ‘this is a guy where … you come out of the game, you’re sore because you played against him,’” Johnson said in a Wednesday press conference. “He’s relentless. He’s passionate about what he does. Just talking to him today gave me goosebumps because this guy loves football and he’s gonna bring that element to the team.” 

While getting traded isn’t always expected or even fun, Jackson was excited to hear that the Bears went after him. He learned from last year’s disappointment and believes the Bears will get a better player than Johnson had when he was Lions offensive coordinator.  

“It’s awesome,” Jackson said or reuniting with Johnson. “I had a great relationship with Ben. He was with me when I was a young pup my rookie year and what he brings to the table is awesome.

“Last year was a little hiccup along the road. But things like that happen. I feel like it definitely sharpened me a little bit. Brought everything into perspective. Like this game can come and go whenever. But I was able to build more of an appreciation for it and home in on my craft and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Jackson will be anchored at right guard, with three years remaining on his contract. That’s the same length as center Drew Dalman and right tackle Darnell Wright, so he’ll be able to develop continuity with the guys he’s working with.

“I’m very excited to be back working with Ben,” Jackson told me and Mike Norman in an exclusive interview aired on the Bears on the Marquee podcast. “Just to know that they wanted me to come here and the desire to bolster up the front and invest in it was awesome. I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else other than Ben.”