Ernest Jones' response to trade reports make Rams' decision on the linebacker look even more curious
The Los Angeles Rams were reported to have made an eyebrow-raising decision on Sunday, with news emerging they had given linebacker Ernest Jones IV permission to seek a trade. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was the first to report the development, which comes after discussions on an extension between the Rams and Jones, who is entering the […]
The Los Angeles Rams were reported to have made an eyebrow-raising decision on Sunday, with news emerging they had given linebacker Ernest Jones IV permission to seek a trade.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was the first to report the development, which comes after discussions on an extension between the Rams and Jones, who is entering the final year of his deal. The talks appear to have stalled.
It is a curious move by the Rams, with Jones their defensive play-caller and one of Los Angeles' best players on that side of the ball. Inside linebacker is undoubtedly the weakness of the Los Angeles defense, and a trade of Jones would seemingly put the Rams in an even more vulnerable position at that spot.
And potential scrutiny on the Rams' process with their defensive leader should only increase after he responded to reports about a potential trade by expressing his confusion at the recent turn of events.
Jones posted on X (formerly Twitter): "I never asked for a trade." He then added a shrugging emoji.
His succinct post indicates Jones has no desire to leave the Rams and is clearly puzzled by the team allowing his agents to speak to other franchises.
Jones, coming off a season in which he had 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, six quarterback hits and six pass breakups, should have a robust market given his consistent standard of play and his age. He is still only 24.
In short, the Rams appear to be trying to trade a player who has been crucial to their defense, does not want to leave and still has a lot of football ahead of him.
The Rams are seemingly extremely high on rookie undrafted free agent Omar Speights, who has already been confirmed as making the 53-man roster.
But his progress should not have any influence on their decision-making with Jones, at least in terms of his immediate future. Trading Jones would make the Rams a worse football team in 2024 and damage their chances of contending for the Super Bowl. Jones is bemused, and he has every right to be.
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