Rams Star Breaks Silence on Surprise Trade Report

On Sunday, Rams fans woke up to the shocking news that the team was looking to trade star linebacker Ernest Jones IV. After the sides failed to come to an extension agreement, the Rams reportedly gave permission to the 24-year-old to find a trade.

Jones has been one of the leaders for the Rams on the defensive end for the past three years, playing a major role in the Super Bowl in his rookie season. Since then, he has been one of the most consistently productive players for Sean McVay as the defensive play-caller. That's why the decision to trade him came as a surprise.

The former South Carolina standout's response to the news was even more surprising. After ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the update, Jones took to social media to say he "never asked for a trade". He deleted the post 45 minutes later.

Rams News: Ernest Jones Responds to Trade Speculation

The weirdness of deleting the social media post immediately after aside, Jones understandably wants to clarify the situation. He doesn't want it to seem like he wants out of Los Angeles. It is presumably true that it is GM Les Snead who is unwilling to give him a long-term extension.

Like a lot of NFL teams, the Rams aren't too interested in breaking the bank for off-ball linebackers. As Jones enters the final year of his rookie contract, this makes him a massive flight risk next offseason. Therefore, the Rams are likely testing the market to see what they can get for the talented defender.

Jones finished last year with 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 15 starts, adding 14 tackles for loss and six QB hits. That will be hard to replicate for the Rams.

The fact that the Rams gave him permission to seek a trade doesn't mean that Jones will definitely get moved. If Snead doesn't get an offer that he likes, we very well see Jones back in Los Angeles to start the season.

Regardless, this drama between one of the team leaders and the organization isn't something fans want to see this close to the season opener.

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