The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 season with full confidence and aggressive drafting, but now questions swirl around the future of starting tackle Alaric Jackson, whose absence can affect the Rams.

With quarterback Matthew Stafford's blindside becoming a concern, analyst Trevor Thompson suggested the Rams could pursue former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker if Jackson is not available.

"If Jackson's out a while and is unavailable, would the Rams consider Taylor Decker, who is sitting on the sidelines and awaiting a team to make him an offer?" said Thompson on the June 9 episode of the Locked on Lions podcast.

On Tuesday, June 9, Jackson was taken into custody on felony battery charges after an alleged confrontation with a woman that reportedly left scratch marks on her arm.

Later on, Jackson was released on bond, but the legal process remains unresolved. If league discipline follows, the Rams could be left without their starting left tackle this season.

According to Thompson, Decker could become an option if the Rams are forced to explore external solutions. He is a free agent after being granted release by the Lions in March, 2026. After a failed negotiation over pay reduction, he parted ways with the franchise where he spent his entire NFL career.

During his ten-season stint from 2016 to 2025 with Detroit, he earned a Pro Bowl honor in 2024 and started 132 regular-season games for Detroit. Thompson highlighted another factor for Los Angeles to consider Decker.

"You could put Taylor Decker out there in LA to play with his former teammate Matthew Stafford, and I'm sure Decker would be very consistent and solid for the Rams," he shared.

However, competition is growing in the free agent market as well.

Financial Flexibility Opens Door For Los Angeles

The Rams could still opt to part ways with Jackson, even though he has helped stabilize the left tackle spot. While the team has a contract out after this season, Jackson carries a $25.4 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing him now would leave the Rams with $23.4 million in dead money this year.

In that case, if Los Angeles decides to sign or trade for another offensive tackle, they will have the financial flexibility. As reported by the Los Angeles Rams on SI, they currently have close to $19 million in cap space. It's enough to pursue Decker.

However, they might also look for other options. DJ Humphries’ single start with the Rams last season didn’t go well. But his experience in the offense gives him an edge over other free-agent options who would be learning the system from scratch.

In case the franchise opts not to add players from outside, they would likely shift Warren McClendon to left tackle and start Keagen Trost at right tackle.

What are your thoughts on the Rams considering Decker? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar