Multiple sources, including The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, reported that the Los Angeles Rams had granted linebacker Ernest Jones permission to seek a trade. However, Jones himself clarified that he never requested a trade.
As Fowler tweeted, the trade request allegedly emerged after both parties disagreed on a contract extension. Jones stamped his leverage in getting another contract after establishing career highs in tackles (145), passes defended (6), and sacks (4.5) last season.
BREAKING: Standout linebacker Ernest Jones NEVER requested a trade from the Los Angeles #Rams, he just posted.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 25, 2024
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The Rams selected Jones in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He mainly played as a middle linebacker during his rookie season, tallying 61 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended in 15 games. In 2022, he was primarily used as a left interior linebacker in the Rams’ 3-4 defensive scheme. The former South Carolina standout finished the season with 114 tackles, two passes defended, and an interception.
Jones has one year left in his four-year, $4.78 million rookie scale contract. That agreement will earn him a $3.1 million base salary this season. Jones is projected to be a starting linebacker with Byron Young, Christian Rozeboom, and Jared Verse.
-Lance Fernandez