Rams Make Surprisingly Disappointing Trade on Cutdown Day

The Rams made a surprising trade on Tuesday ahead of the roster cutdown deadline, sending 2021 third-round LB Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans.

Jones started 15 games for Los Angeles in 2023 and served as a team captain, so this move comes as a big surprise. He had 145 tackles, six deflected passes, and 4.5 sacks last season, playing in 93% of defensive snaps in his 15 contests.

News broke following the Rams' preseason finale that Jones requested a trade after the two sides didn't make progress on a contract extension. Even still, Jones' departure represents a major loss for Los Angeles' defense.

Rams News: LA Trades Ernest Jones IV to Tennessee Titans

For a player of Jones' caliber, receiving a mere fifth-round pick while also giving away a sixth-rounder has to be disappointing. He looked like a rising star and effective leader for the organization. Now, he'll help mold a rebuilding Titans team.

It appears that the Rams realized they had limited leverage. Jones was absent at practice this week, creating a distraction for a team that expects to contend for an NFC West title in 2024.

Los Angeles clearly didn't believe that Jones' value was as high as he and his representation do, even if his statistical resume is impressive. The Rams didn't want to commit a massive extension as they work to rebuild the defense, and they know Jones better than anyone.

The defense and team leadership will look different in 2024 than it did this last year. Los Angeles takes on the Lions in Detroit to start the regular season, leaving little time to anoint Jones' replacement. Since Tennessee didn't send any players back in the trade, the Rams now have an extra roster spot to work with as they trim to 53 players ahead of the NFL's deadline.

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