Los Angeles Rams starting linebacker Ernest Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he's seeking an extension. However, ESPN reports that there has been no progress made in contract talks, and Jones has now been granted permission to seek a trade.
The 24-year-old Jones was selected by L.A. in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He had a career year in 2023, with 145 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and six passes defensed.
Jones has also stepped up his performance in the playoffs. In Super Bowl LVI vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded seven combined tackles and one sack to go along with three QB hits. Last year against the Detroit Lions in Super Wild Card Weekend, he recorded nine combined tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.
The top 10 highest-paid linebackers are now all making at least $10 million per year. It would be surprising to see the Rams ship off one of their young talents who is a leader on the defensive side of the ball, but we've seen plenty of trades in recent days. Where could Jones potentially end up? That's what we're here to examine.