Just a day after the Los Angeles Rams preseason finale, the team has granted star defender Ernest Jones IV permission to seek a trade elsewhere. The two sides haven’t been able to come to terms on a new contract so Los Angeles is now open to trading the linebacker.

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN was one of the people to report about the decision on social media.

Losing Jones IV would be a massive loss for the Rams, especially entering this season. The Rams have already lost All-Pro defensive rackle Aaron Donald to retirement this offseason so Jones IV would be another sting to the defense.

Last season, Jones IV posted 145 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. He showed incredible ability to set the tone for this team on the defensive end but wants a contract that he deems reasonable for his level of production.

Ernest Jones
INGLEWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 21: Ernest Jones #53 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023…


Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

He spoke about the contract situation last month while speaking to The Orange Count Register.

“I know that the work that I’ve put in these past three years, I know I’m worthy of something regardless what the worth may be,” Jones said, according to The Orange County Register. “… I love to be in L.A. I really want to be here. This is truly where I want to keep my family at, grow my family here. But I also know that there’s a business side of it too that I can’t truly control. We’ll see.”

This story will be updated…