Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerIncluded Columnist IVAugust 25, 2024
Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones IV clarified on social networks that he hasn't requested for a trade regardless of reports about his future with the group:
Ernest Jones @ernestjones53
I never ever requested a trade ♂
This follows ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Rams allowed Jones and his agents to pursue trade opportunities.
According to Fowler, the Rams and Jones have yet to make development on a long-lasting extension as he gets in the last year of his novice agreement.
Jones was the runaway group leader in deals with (145) in 2023 and included 4.5 sacks and 6 pass breaks up. The 24-year-old's impact within the defense has actually just grown after Aaron Donald's retirement.
Eric Williams @eric_d_williams
Los Angeles Rams pound Ernest Jones stated he's thrilled for the difficulty of leading the defense with Aaron Donald retiring. > pic.twitter.com/1uXnHVLQeA
Offered he has yet to make the Pro Bowl or make an All-Pro nod, t's skeptical that Jones would reset the linebacker market if he were to sign a brand-new offer today. He ‘d at least get a large raise from his $3.1 million base wage.
Rams basic supervisor Les Snead informed press reporters in January that Jones was “absolutely somebody we'll go over and certainly somebody we had actually like to have around.” By March, nevertheless, Snead stated Los Angeles “prioritized costs our resources on additions instead of re-signing from within,” so no agreement for Jones would be upcoming.
ESPN's Sarah Barshop kept in mind Donald is the last draft tease the protective side who has actually gotten an extension from the Rams, a stretch that goes back to 2018. There's likewise the broad problem in paying a within linebacker his market price when the position isn't as important as it when was.
Permitting Jones to look for a trade does not always ensure his exit before Week 1. Other groups are quite settled with the routine season so close, and it's uncertain what sort of cost the Rams are putting on the young protector. Losing Donald and Jones in the very same offseason would be an enormous blow for the defense, so L.A. would most likely be trying to find something of severe worth back.
Jones' newest declaration reveals he may not be leaving the Rams any time quickly.
