News just recently broke that the Chicago Bears are acquiring offensive guard, Jonah Jackson, from the Los Angeles Rams for a sixth round pick. The very pick that the Bears acquired for Justin Fields last year.

My initial reaction is to be a little underwhelmed. I’ve seen Ryan Poles take the cheaper option on the offensive line way too often, and it’s never worked in the Bears favor.

Ryan Bates, Lucas Patrick, Coleman Shelton, the list goes on. Not to mention his one big swing on the line, signing Nate Davis, which was an unmitigated disaster.

As I thought more about it, though, I’ve come to like the deal a little more. The price paid was small, and the salary owed is relatively low. Jackson is still just 28 and has had success in a Ben Johnson offense before.

If his struggles last year were mostly due to injuries and he can remain healthy, this could be a steal.

This also doesn’t necessarily take the Bears out of the free agent guard market. Though they probably won’t spend big bucks on top guys like Will Fries or Mekhi Becton, I’m okay with that. Both come with questions and will cost a lot more. Chicago could still possibly land Kevin Zeitler and another starting quality guard in the draft.

Where I really come to like this deal is the realization that while Chicago might not spend big free agency bucks on a guard, it could signal that they’re preparing to spend it elsewhere.

Even before the Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged Trey Smith, I’ve believed that the Bears biggest focus should be on center.

Since Olin Kreutz retired we’ve seen a procession of mediocrity at center. Roberto Garza had a couple decent seasons. Cody Whitehair was average for a year or two. Sam Mustipher had half a decent season before he became a joke. Lucas Patrick never showed me a damn thing. Coleman Shelton wasn’t awful and I’d be okay to see him return as depth, but the Bears need to find a long term answer at center.

Even when Trey Smith was available, I considered Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman a high priority free agent target. With Smith off the market, Dalman is the clear top target. I can only hope Ryan Poles agrees.

I still have hopes that the Bears can vastly improve their offensive line in free agency and the draft and the trade for Jackson is a small step in that direction.