The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly traded one of their best players, which could be a huge mistake.
On Tuesday, the Rams dealt inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for a 2026 fifth-rounder, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Trading 24-year-old Jones to the Titans seems foolish for the Rams. In 15 games with Los Angeles last season, the former thrid-rounder finished 11th in the NFL in total tackles (145) and had a career-high 4.5 sacks. Per Pro Football Football Focus, he led linebackers in pressures (30) and posted an 83.1 pass-rush grade, sixth at his position.
More importantly, Jones was the play-caller in the Rams defense. Losing a savvy veteran may hurt the unit after it experienced several changes this offseason.
The Rams promoted former LBs coach/pass rush coordinator Chris Shula to defensive coordinator after Raheem Morris was hired as Atlanta Falcons head coach. In March, former defensive tackle Aaron Donald — who won Defensive Player of the Year three times in 10 seasons with the club — retired.
LB Omar Speights — an undrafted rookie out of LSU and Oregon State — will likely replace Jones. He flashed promise in the preseason, recording 12 total tackles. Still, asking him to replace a player of Jones’ caliber is a large order.
Jones should help the Titans’ defense improve after it ranked 18th in the league in points allowed (21.6) last season. He’ll likely start at off-ball LB alongside free-agent signee Kenneth Murray.
The Titans may have to extend Jones, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. OverTheCap.com estimates the Titans have $22.72M in cap space, so they should have enough to sign him.
Regardless, this trade seems like a win for the Titans. They possibly acquired a player who’s still in his prime and didn’t have to give up too much to land him.
