LOS ANGELES — Just days before the start of the regular season, the Los Angeles Rams made a surprising move by trading linebacker Ernest Jones, who had been a pivotal player on defense, to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a minor upgrade in late-round draft picks for 2026.
Rams head coach Sean McVay initially described the trade as a “football decision,” but months later, his perspective on the trade has changed as it became evident that the Rams are still missing a player of Jones’ talent and experience. “All the decisions we make in the moment are intended to be in the best interest of the team,” McVay acknowledged recently. “I won’t pretend every choice is perfect, but it’s important to learn from these experiences. Jones is a player who is tough, both mentally and physically, and he has a knack for being around the ball. I wish him all the best. It’s going to be a formidable challenge to go against him.”
This upcoming weekend, Jones will face off against his former team when he meets the Rams (3-4) in Seattle, following a recent trade that brought him to Tennessee. The struggling Titans were able to benefit more greatly from the trade than the Rams, who decided on a swift deal instead of letting Jones play out the final year of his rookie contract amid unsuccessful contract extension talks.
A third-round draft pick, Jones quickly made an impact in his rookie year of 2021. He had the opportunity to learn under Bobby Wagner in 2022, evolving into one of the league’s top tacklers while proving capable in pass defense. Last season, he tallied 145 tackles, significantly leading the Rams in that category and placing him 11th in the NFL overall.
The Rams’ choice to trade Jones was surprising for multiple reasons, especially since they have not identified a clear and effective replacement for him, particularly one with the experience he brought, including his contribution to their Super Bowl championship roster.
Jones’ responsibilities since the trade have been shouldered by Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom, both of whom moved up from the practice squad to take on significant roles over recent seasons. Although they have been reliable, neither matches Jones’ skill set, and opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks seem to have taken advantage of this matchup, notably exploiting their weaknesses in pass coverage situations.
McVay has expressed support for Reeder, who took over Jones’ role as the defensive signal-caller but has since landed on injured reserve. However, he recognizes that Jones operates on a different level. “I’ve been pleased with some of the contributions from our current players,” McVay stated regarding the players filling in for Jones. “But it’s hard to overlook the production Jones has generated, especially in his debut with Tennessee and his previous accomplishments here.” Jones has certainly left a mark, as evidenced by his impressive 15 tackles for Seattle last week, playing every defensive snap in his first game for the Seahawks.
As a key figure in the Rams’ defensive unit during his three seasons, Jones earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff, with former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris depending on him for organization and overall performance on the field. His popularity within the locker room was undeniable.
Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ quarterback, spoke highly of Jones, noting, “I know what kind of player he is. He has physical talent and emotional intelligence, making him a valuable teammate. I respect him both as a player and a person. Facing him will surely present its challenges.”
In other team news, McVay indicated that offensive lineman Joe Noteboom is expected to return from injured reserve following an ankle injury sustained in the season opener against Detroit. Meanwhile, safety Kam Curl (knee) and wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) were both limited in practice on Wednesday. Backup nose tackle Neville Gallimore is also recovering from a stinger and may miss this week’s game.