The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly traded one in every of their finest gamers, which could possibly be an enormous mistake.
On Tuesday, the Rams dealt inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV and a 2026 sixth-round decide to the Tennessee Titans for a 2026 fifth-rounder, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Buying and selling 24-year-old Jones to the Titans appears silly for the Rams. In 15 video games with Los Angeles final season, the previous thrid-rounder completed eleventh within the NFL in whole tackles (145) and had a career-high 4.5 sacks. Per Professional Soccer Soccer Focus, he led linebackers in pressures (30) and posted an 83.1 pass-rush grade, sixth at his place.
Extra importantly, Jones was the play-caller within the Rams protection. Dropping a savvy veteran could damage the unit after it skilled a number of adjustments this offseason.
The Rams promoted former LBs coach/cross rush coordinator Chris Shula to defensive coordinator after Raheem Morris was employed as Atlanta Falcons head coach. In March, former defensive sort out Aaron Donald — who received Defensive Participant of the 12 months thrice in 10 seasons with the membership — retired.
LB Omar Speights — an undrafted rookie out of LSU and Oregon State — will probably change Jones. He flashed promise within the preseason, recording 12 whole tackles. Nonetheless, asking him to exchange a participant of Jones’ caliber is a big order.
Jones ought to assist the Titans’ protection enhance after it ranked 18th within the league in factors allowed (21.6) final season. He’ll probably begin at off-ball LB alongside free-agent signee Kenneth Murray.
The Titans could have to increase Jones, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract. OverTheCap.com estimates the Titans have $22.72M in cap area, so they need to have sufficient to signal him.
Regardless, this commerce looks as if a win for the Titans. They presumably acquired a participant who’s nonetheless in his prime and did not have to surrender an excessive amount of to land him.
