The Los Angeles Rams have managed to put together a balanced roster on both sides of the field that is comprised of young players and veterans.
Toeing the line between the two groups is Ernest Jones, who has stepped up in recent years and is slated to be the leader of the defense following Aaron Donald’s retirement.
Jones had a strong 2023 season, setting the Rams’ single-season record for tackles with 145 though he enters the 2024 season without an extension on his rookie deal.
Although he may be playing on the final year of his contract, the recent birth of his son is helping him keep things in perspective, via Adam Grosbard of the Southern California News Group:
“It changes my perspective a lot,” Jones said. “One, it’s just a big year for me personally. I always want to take care of my family but now you add that little boy in, my wife. They’re my main priority, they’re the reason why I play this game, why I wake up and I’m so happy to be able to do this. I’m more focused and locked in than I’ve ever been.”
Jones added he isn’t stressing about his contract situation though did admit he’d like to keep his family in Los Angeles:
“I know that the work that I’ve put in these past three years, I know I’m worthy of something regardless what the worth may be,” Jones said. “I just want to put together a great year. I love to be in L.A., I really want to be here. This is truly where I want to keep my family at, grow my family here. But I also know that there’s a business side of it too that I can’t truly control. We’ll see. Hopefully we can get something done and I can be here for years to come. … And I’m up for the challenge.
“I play football and I’m just excited. I show them another year and I put on another year better than before, that just means that the price goes up.”
If Jones has another solid campaign, the Rams will need to consider re-signing him especially given the lack of talent and depth in their linebacker room.
Staying home with Rams was John Johnson III’s first choice in free agency
Ernest Jones isn’t the only defensive player that considers the City of Angels home as John Johnson III re-signed with the team in free agency. Johnson said that staying with the Rams was his first choice all along.
