I expect them to tag Jackson. It ensures you don't have a gaping hole at LT next year. It allows him to test the FA market. And from there the Rams will get compensation if he signs elsewhere. Assuming he isn't unrealistic in his demands, it is from there possible he sticks around, but if not then the Rams potentially have draft capital to move up for a LT.
Moving up for LT is important if they need to endure a young player doing the job. You want an early choice for that vice a later one. That is not to say I have been looking at the OT group in the draft, I have not really watched them yet. But if you get into the top ten generally you can have a shot at a guy with a chance to do that job. So the tag and trade is crucial for the Rams in this moment. This is not someone they can let leave in FA and wait on a comp pick.
If they keep him around the advantage is all their resources are spent building around Stafford for another run or two. And that is a significant advantage. So even though I think Jackson comes with a ton of risk in terms of signing him, it feels like the Rams might get that done. Ride Stafford's remaining window and push the LT decision out. Also Jackson could potentially slide over to RT if the Rams were to find a LT type in the 2026 draft. Because RT will be a need by then when Hav rolls out.