Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones made it clear early in the offseason that he was looking for a new contract heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
Jones is coming off a career-year in which he recorded a franchise-record 145 total tackles to go along with 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and six passes defensed. He was now expected to be the unquestioned leader of the Rams’ defense after Aaron Donald chose to retire.
Unfortunately though, Jones and the Rams were never able to agree on a new contract and it was recently reported that they allowed him and his representatives to seek a trade.
While Jones made it clear that he did not request a trade, it seemed to be in the best interest of both parties to move on. The Rams don’t traditionally value off-ball linebackers and Jones is looking to be paid at or near the top of the market.
As a result, the Rams have traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz:
BREAKING: The #Rams are trading LB Ernest Jones to the #Titans, per multiple sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 27, 2024
The Rams are not receiving much in return for Jones, as could be expected given his contract situation:
Comp update: The #Titans also get a 2026 6th rounder in addition to Ernest Jones IV. The #Rams will receive a 2026 5th, per sources. https://t.co/IAuGbkCTfN pic.twitter.com/u3vpeFDZNc
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 27, 2024
Part of the reason the Rams feel comfortable doing this though is because of the emergence of undrafted rookie linebacker Omar Speights. He has been drawing rave reviews during training camp and could be in the mix for snaps at the linebacker position in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.
With Jones no longer in the mix, the Rams’ linebacker rotation should consist of Speights, Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder and Jacob Hummel.
As for Jones, it will be interesting to see if he is able to agree to a contract extension with the Titans or if he winds up playing out the final season of his rookie deal before testing free agency next offseason.
Rams’ Sean McVay discusses Alaric Jackson’s suspension
The Rams will be without starting left guard Alaric Jackson for the first two games of the season after he was suspended for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Head coach Sean McVay McVay didn’t reveal any more details about the suspension but said the team would welcome him back in Week 3.
The Rams will likely turn to Joe Noteboom at left tackle in Jackson’s absence. Jackson will be eligible to return for the team’s home opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
