The Los Angeles Rams have traded a key member of their defense.
The Rams on Tuesday traded starting linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans, according to multiple reports. Tennessee is sending a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to L.A. in the deal and getting back a 2026 sixth-round pick in addition to Jones.
Compensation update: Rams traded LB Ernest Jones and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Titans in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. https://t.co/htKBq3B6c2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024
Jones, a 2021 third-round pick out of South Carolina, led the Rams with 145 total tackles last year, which was a career high. He also had 4.5 sacks and was L.A.’s defensive playcaller. Jones was viewed as one of the leaders of the Rams’ defense, especially after Aaron Donald retired.
A report over the weekend claimed the Rams gave Jones permission to seek a trade. The 24-year-old is set to make $3.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract this season and had been seeking an extension.
In a social media post that he quickly deleted, Jones denied having asked the Rams for a trade. Rams head coach Sean McVay later confirmed that Jones did not request a trade but admitted the team was looking into potentially moving Jones.
Jones should step into a starting role right away in Tennessee.
