The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly traded one in every of their greatest gamers, which could possibly be an enormous mistake.
On Tuesday, the Rams dealt inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV and a 2026 sixth-round choose 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 complete 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 might damage the unit after it skilled a number of modifications 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 gained Defensive Participant of the Yr 3 times in 10 seasons with the membership — retired.
LB Omar Speights — an undrafted rookie out of LSU and Oregon State — will possible change Jones. He flashed promise within the preseason, recording 12 complete tackles. Nonetheless, asking him to switch 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 possible begin at off-ball LB alongside free-agent signee Kenneth Murray.
The Titans might 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 house, so they need to have sufficient to signal him.
Regardless, this commerce looks as if a win for the Titans. They probably acquired a participant who’s nonetheless in his prime and did not have to surrender an excessive amount of to land him.
