Chicago Bears Trade Acquisition Labeled As 'Most Disappointing Player'

The Chicago Bears made significant moves in the offseason to overhaul their offensive line, and one of the cornerstone additions was guard Jonah Jackson. Acquired via trade and signed to a substantial contract, Jackson was expected to bring stability and a Pro Bowl pedigree to the interior of the line. However, through the first seven weeks of the season, his performance has been under a microscope, leading some to label him as one of the most disappointing transactions of the year.

Chicago Bears Jonah Jackson: A Fix For Last Year’s Issues

When the Bears acquired Jackson, it was seen as a major win. Not only did they secure a 28-year-old Pro Bowl guard, but he also had previous ties to first-year head coach Ben Johnson from their time in Detroit. This familiarity was expected to lead to a smooth transition. The financial commitment reflected these high hopes: a contract extension through 2027 with a salary that ranks him in the top ten among right guards in the NFL.

This investment set a high bar for performance. When a player is paid like a top-tier talent, the expectation is that they will deliver from day one. This is why Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently named Jackson as the Bears’ “most disappointing” player so far in 2025, pointing to his penalties and subpar grades as evidence.

A Tale of Two Performances

A closer look at Jackson’s season reveals a mixed bag. His debut in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings was undeniably rough. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a dismal overall grade of 31.0 for the game, as he surrendered five quarterback hurries. It was a shaky start that immediately put him under a harsh spotlight.

However, context is crucial. In the five games since that opener, Jackson has allowed a total of just five more hurries. While his overall PFF grade remains below 60, his play has stabilized significantly since that first game. It suggests that his initial struggles may have been related to rust, especially considering he had a forgettable, injury-plagued 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams where he barely played the right guard position.

Penalties: A Legitimate Concern

While his pass protection has improved, the most valid criticism of Jonah Jackson’s play has been the penalties. In 393 offensive snaps, he has been flagged four times, including two false starts and an offensive hold.

These self-inflicted wounds are drive-killers and have contributed to the Bears being one of the most heavily penalized teams in the league, averaging nearly nine flags per game. For an offense trying to build rhythm with a young quarterback, pre-snap penalties and holding calls are incredibly detrimental. This is an area where Jackson, as a veteran leader on the line, must show more discipline. If he can clean up this aspect of his game, the narrative surrounding his performance would likely shift in a more positive direction.

Is the “Disappointing” Label Fair?

Labeling a player a disappointment just seven weeks into a multi-year contract is premature. It’s important to consider the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s arrival and the nature of offensive line play.

1. Adjustment Period: Despite his familiarity with Ben Johnson’s system, Jackson is still gelling with a new offensive line unit. Chemistry between linemen is not built overnight; it takes time and reps for the group to learn to communicate and play as a cohesive five-man front.
2. Recovering from Injury: Jackson’s 2024 season was derailed by a fractured scapula. Returning from a significant injury and switching teams can lead to a period of adjustment as a player regains their form and confidence.
3. Visible Improvement: After a disastrous Week 1, his performance has been on an upward trajectory. This suggests he is settling in and shaking off the rust.

While the penalties are a real issue that needs to be addressed, his pass-blocking has been solid since the opener. He is a young, durable player with a Pro Bowl pedigree. The Bears signed him for the long haul, not for a seven-game audition.

The Final Verdict (For Now)

Has Jonah Jackson lived up to his hefty contract so far? The answer is no. The penalties and the poor start have been legitimate points of concern. However, calling him the team’s most disappointing player feels like an overreaction.

The “disappointing” label should be reserved for players who show no signs of improvement or who lack the competitive drive to correct their mistakes. Jackson has shown clear improvement since Week 1, and his history suggests he has the talent to be a high-quality starter. The Chicago Bears organization is banking on him getting back on track. Before jumping to any rash conclusions, it’s fair to let the rest of the 2025 campaign play out. If he can clean up the penalties and continue to build on his post-Week 1 performance, he can still prove to be the valuable addition the Bears believed he would be.