The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly traded certainly one of their finest gamers, which might 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 total 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/go 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 12 months 3 times in 10 seasons with the membership — retired.
LB Omar Speights — an undrafted rookie out of LSU and Oregon State — will doubtless substitute Jones. He flashed promise within the preseason, recording 12 total 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 points allowed (21.6) final season. He’ll doubtless begin at off-ball LB alongside free-agent signee Kenneth Murray.
The Titans might have to increase Jones, who’s getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract. OverTheCap.com estimates the Titans have $22.72M in cap space, 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.
