NFL Rumors: Rams Give Ernest Jones IV Permission to Seek Trade amid Contract Talks

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVAugust 25, 2024

Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones IV clarified on social media that he hasn’t asked for a trade despite rumors about his future with the team:

Ernest Jones @ernestjones53I never asked for a trade🤷🏾‍♂️

This comes after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Rams permitted Jones and his representatives to pursue trade avenues.

According to Fowler, the Rams and Jones have yet to make progress on a long-term extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Jones was the runaway team leader in tackles (145) in 2023 and added 4.5 sacks and six pass breakups. The 24-year-old’s influence within the defense has only grown after Aaron Donald’s retirement.

Eric Williams @eric_d_williamsLos Angeles Rams LB Ernest Jones said he’s excited for the challenge of leading the defense with Aaron Donald retiring. pic.twitter.com/1uXnHVLQeA

Given he has yet to make the Pro Bowl or earn an All-Pro nod, t’s doubtful that Jones would reset the linebacker market if he were to sign a new deal right now. He’d at least get a sizable raise from his $3.1 million base salary, though.

Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters in January that Jones was “definitely someone we’ll discuss and definitely someone we’d like to have around.” By March, however, Snead said Los Angeles “prioritized spending our resources on additions rather than re-signing from within,” so no contract for Jones would be forthcoming.

ESPN’s Sarah Barshop noted Donald is the last draft pick on the defensive side who has received an extension from the Rams, a stretch that dates back to 2018. There’s also the broad dilemma in paying an inside linebacker his market value when the position isn’t as valuable as it once was.

Allowing Jones to seek a trade doesn’t necessarily guarantee his exit before Week 1. Other teams are pretty settled with the regular season so close, and it’s unclear what kind of price the Rams are placing on the young defender. Losing Donald and Jones in the same offseason would be a massive blow for the defense, so L.A. would presumably be looking for something of serious value back.

However, Jones’ latest statement shows he might not be leaving the Rams any time soon.