Rams Trade LB Ernest Jones to Titans in Shocking Move

The Los Angeles Rams are trading star linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans in a sudden turn of events, per multiple reports.

Over the weekend, it was reported that Jones was given permission to seek a trade from the Rams. Then, he went on social media to say he didn’t ask to be traded. In the end, though, he’s now been moved to the Titans as the Rams trim their roster to 53 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) during his rookie season, securing 61 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and four passes defended.

In 2022, Jones appeared in all 17 games (11 starts), accumulating 114 tackles, four tackles for loss, two passes defended, and one interception.

Then, last season, Jones started all 15 games he appeared in, finishing with 145 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and six passes defended.

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

On Sunday, reports circulated that the Rams were giving Jones permission to seek a trade as contract extension talks weren’t going anywhere.

Read more: Rams Allowing Star Defender Ernest Jones IV Permission To Seek Trade

However, Jones then took to social media to say, “I never asked for a trade,” in a since-deleted tweet.

Read more: Ernest Jones IV Pushes Back On Report Stating Rams Gave Him Permission To Seek Trade

Last month, Jones opened up about his contract discussions with Los Angeles.

“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 told Adam Grosbard of 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.”

In the end, Jones and the Rams weren’t on the same page. He’s now heading to the Titans, while the Rams will look for a replacement at the linebacker position.