Ernest Jones IV might soon be taking his tackling talents elsewhere.
The Los Angeles Rams have had conversations about trading the fourth-year linebacker and have given Jones’ agents permission to help find a landing spot, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported Sunday, per a source.
Wolfe reports that stalled contract talks between the Rams and Jones, who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, led to Sunday’s development.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported the news.
Jones’ potential exit would shake things up for the Rams defense as the 2024 season approaches. The 24-year-old serves as the defensive signal-caller and is coming off his best statistical season in that role, producing a team-high 145 tackles while also notching a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2023.
Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jake Hummel, Olakunle Fatukasi and undrafted rookies Omar Speights and Elias Neal currently round out the Rams’ inside linebacking depth chart. Teams are required to trim rosters down to 53 by Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Jones, a third-round pick in 2021, carved out a sizeable role in L.A. as early as his rookie season. He earned his starting role midway through that campaign and started in Super Bowl LVI, helping the Rams top the Bengals with seven tackles, one sack and three QB hits to win the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.
The Rams concluded the preseason with a 17-15 loss in Houston on Saturday night.
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