When the Chicago Bears traded for Jonah Jackson this past March, it looked like a savvy move to bolster an offensive line that desperately needed toughness and depth. The Bears gave up just a sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams and immediately followed up the deal by extending Jackson’s contract — a one-year, $12.5 million deal that brought his total projected earnings with the team to $52.5 million through 2026.
Now, just months later and without even playing a snap in Chicago, Jackson is already being floated as a surprise cut candidate — and not by some random hot-take artist. Veteran Bears insider Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron listed Jackson among the most logical cut candidates going into the 2026 season.
The idea? Not as crazy as it sounds.
The Cap Hit Is Massive — And So Are the Risks
So why would the Bears cut bait on a player they just traded for?
“Jackson hasn’t even played a game for the Bears yet, but he received a one-year extension,” Leming wrote. “So why would he be on this list? Simple. His cap hit.”
And that cap hit is no joke. Jackson’s $25 million figure in 2026 could quickly become unmanageable if he fails to live up to expectations or — worse — if he gets hurt again.
A post-June 1st release would save Chicago $6.5 million while still leaving $10.5 million in dead money. In an NFL increasingly driven by financial flexibility and cap strategy, that’s the kind of math front offices can’t ignore.
Injuries, Inconsistencies, and One Last Chance
Jackson has flashed Pro Bowl talent before — most notably during his early days with the Detroit Lions, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. But staying healthy has been a battle. He missed much of 2024 after fracturing his scapula in L.A., and his brief stint with the Rams ended with just four starts and a trip to the bench.
While his reunion with Bears head coach Ben Johnson (his former offensive coordinator in Detroit) was initially seen as a plus, it’s now shaping up to be a high-stakes gamble. If Jackson doesn’t return to form or winds up missing more time, his familiarity with the coaching staff may not be enough to save him.
“Money would be the most significant factor in the decision to cut ties,” Leming added. “Still, beyond that, his limited availability in recent years and inconsistent play could also lead the Bears to look for an upgrade at this time next year.”
The O-Line Competition Is Heating Up
Chicago’s offensive line has been undergoing a makeover. Jackson is expected to be part of a revamped interior unit that includes Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman — both seen as long-term building blocks. But with younger, cheaper linemen available in the draft and free agency, Jackson will need to prove he still belongs in the starting lineup.
His best-case scenario? He stays healthy, locks down the right guard spot, and plays at a high enough level to justify his 2026 number — or even earn another extension. The worst-case? He battles injuries, underperforms, and becomes an expensive cautionary tale of overpaying for past production.
Bottom Line: From Key Piece to Cap Casualty?
It would be shocking to see Jonah Jackson cut just a year after being acquired, but it’s far from impossible. NFL contracts are only as secure as the player’s availability and performance — and for Jackson, both have been inconsistent at best.
If 2025 turns into another injury-marred or middling season, don’t be surprised if the Bears decide to cut ties — especially with cap savings and draft flexibility at stake.
For now, he’s got a second chance, a familiar coach, and a starting role. What he does with it might determine whether he’s a pillar or a placeholder in Chicago’s rebuild.
