Rams Make Shocking Trade Decision Immediately After Preseason Finale
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up the preseason on Saturday with a loss against the Houston Texans. But more important than the result, was the shocking news ESPN's Jeremy Fowler dropped on Sunday morning.
According to Fowler, the Rams and talented linebacker Ernest Jones couldn't make progress on a contract extension. Therefore, LA granted permission to Jones to seek a trade as he enters the final year of his contract.
Rams News: Los Angeles Grants Ernest Jones IV Permission To Seek Trade
Sources: #Rams have granted linebacker Ernest Jones IV and his agents permission to seek a trade.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 25, 2024
Jones, a 2025 free agent, is L.A.’s defensive play caller with 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year. Sides discussed an extension, but with no progress, Rams open to trade. pic.twitter.com/QaMkuDj0Ko
Jones was a third-round pick of the Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, he has been a reliable contributor on the defensive end. Showing impressive versatility and consistency, Jones recorded 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 15 starts last season.
Even though NFL teams, especially the Rams, are generally unwilling to give lucrative, long-term contracts to off-ball linebackers, many have expected a deal to get done. Jones is only 24 and has been a captain in Los Angeles. Fowler had previously reported he was a candidate for a second contract with the Rams.
Most recently, the Cleveland Browns gave a similar player in a similar situation, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah a three-year, $39 million contract extension. Understandably, GM Les Snead didn't want to pay that sort of annual salary for Jones.
It is also understandable that Jones would want to choose his destination and end up on a team willing to give him that contract. Considering his production in the NFL so far, there should be plenty of suitors for him on the market.
The Rams already had a linebacker rotation that left plenty to be desired. With this latest report, they could lose their play-caller, creating a massive need.
Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse are still there and the Rams are very optimistic about undrafted rookie Omar Speights stepping up. However, there will certainly be an adjustment period for new defensive coordinator Chris Shula in his first year if Jones leaves.
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