Linebacker Ernest Jones. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Rams trade anchor of defense to Titans

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 2:59 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams have traded a key member of their defense.

The Rams on Tuesday traded starting linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans, according to multiple reports. The Rams will also send a 2026 sixth-round pick to Tennessee and will receive a 2026 fifth-round pick in return.

Details:
— The #Titans receive Ernest Jones & a 2026 6th rounder.
— The #Rams receive a 2026 5th rounder. https://t.co/yEKSPhYAFk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024

Jones, a 2021 third-round pick out of South Carolina, led the Rams with 145 total tackles last year, which was a career high. He also had 4.5 sacks and was L.A.’s defensive play-caller. Jones was viewed as one of the leaders of the Rams’ defense, especially after Aaron Donald retired.

A report over the weekend claimed the Rams gave Jones permission to seek a trade. The 24-year-old is set to make $3.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract this season and had been seeking an extension.

In a social media post that he quickly deleted, Jones denied having asked the Rams for a trade. Rams head coach Sean McVay later confirmed that Jones did not request a trade but admitted the team was looking into potentially moving Jones.

Jones should step into a starting role right away in Tennessee.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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