Rams trade LB Ernest Jones to Titans in shocking move

The Los Angeles Rams are set to trade star linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans, according to multiple sources, in an unexpected turn of events.

Over the weekend, it was reported that Jones had been given permission to seek a trade from the Rams. He subsequently took to social media to say that he had not requested to be traded. Ultimately, however, he has been moved to the Titans as the Rams trim their roster to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

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Jones has developed into a star linebacker in his first three seasons with the Rams. The former third-round pick in 2021 appeared in 15 games (seven starts) in his rookie season, recording 61 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and four passes defensed.

In 2022, Jones played in all 17 games (11 as a starter) and collected 114 tackles, four tackles for loss, two passes defensed and one interception.

Last season, Jones played in all 15 games he played in and finished with 145 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and six passes defensed.

Jones has emerged as one of the best young linebackers in the NFL and was expected to be a leader in this Rams defense that will be without Aaron Donald for the first time since 2013. However, Jones heads to the AFC and gets a fresh start with the Titans after a few days of drama to end his Rams tenure.

Rumors circulated on Sunday that the Rams gave Jones permission to consider a trade after talks over a contract extension failed to materialize.

Read more: Rams grant star defenseman Ernest Jones IV permission to trade

Jones subsequently posted a tweet on social media saying, “I never asked for a trade,” which has since been deleted.

Read more: Ernest Jones IV pushes back against report that Rams gave him permission to trade

Last month, Jones spoke openly about his contract talks with Los Angeles.

“I know that the work that I’ve done for the last three years, I know that I’m worthy of something, whatever the value may be,” Jones told The Orange County Register. “I love being in L.A., I really want to be here. This is really where I want to keep my family, grow my family here. But I also know that there’s a business side to it that I can’t really control. We’ll see.”

Ultimately, Jones and the Rams didn’t come to an agreement. He’s now headed to the Titans, while the Rams search for a replacement at linebacker.