The Los Angeles Rams have built one of the best NFL rosters in 2024, with outstanding talent on offense and some key difference-makers on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, one of their most impactful defensive players has now popped up in NFL trade rumors.
They already need to replace Aaron Donald, which creates big concerns for this Rams defense. Los Angeles couldn’t really afford to lose another top starter before Week 1. However, a lingering contract dispute with off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones has now raised doubts about his future with the team.
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- Ernest Jones stats (Pro Football Reference): 74 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6 QB hits, 4.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections in 15 games
Jones, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been one of the team’s success stories. After making 7s starts as a rookie, he drew 11 starts in 2022 and became the full-time starter last season. He also had one of the highest rates of defensive snaps played (93 percent) on the team.
However, Jones’ expiring contract seems to be an issue heading into the regular season. The 24-year-old is adamant about receiving a contract extension and the two sides haven’t come close to an extension. At a stalemate at the negotiating table, Jones popped up in NFL trade rumors on Sunday.
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- Ernest Jones contract (Spotrac): $3.116 million salary in 2025, NFL free agent in 2025
According to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, the Rams have granted Jones permission to seek a trade before Week 1. Poised to be one of the top off-ball linebackers in NFL free agency next year, Jones’ agents are now exploring their options to get him out of Los Angeles.
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It’s especially concerning for the Rams ahead of the regular season. While Jones has proven to be an excellent starter – rated by Pro Football Focus as the 13th-best at his position in 2023 – there is no depth behind him. Fellow starter Christian Rozeboom is arguably the worst starter on the Rams roster and the options behind them are Jacob Hummel and Troy Reeder.
Considering that inside linebacker is one of the thinnest positions in the NFL and Jones doesn’t turn 25 until November, he would have a robust trade market. Whether the Rams trade him or not is to be determined, but dealing him would leave a sizable blow in the middle of this defense.
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