1 AFC and 1 NFC team could be ideal Rams problem solvers over Jones fiasco

Okay, I have to admit that the NFL rumors of ILB Ernest Jones requesting a trade from the LA Rams blindsided me this morning. So unawares, in fact, that I did not have an opportunity to brew a desperately needed tall cup of coffee until I had written three articles about the topic. They are:

• Despite NFL cuts looming, Rams rumors hint imminent trade of key defensive cog
• 5 NFL teams likely to pounce on trade rumors for Rams ILB Ernest Jones
• 4 internal candidates who could fill in at LA Rams ILB post-trade
• Rams Ernest Jones gets endorsement from respected NFL voice amid trade rumors

While I would love to cite a lot of preparation for today's barn-blazing story, the suddenness without warning has left me scrambling for solid information and viable options for the team to consider as a solution. So far, I had a lot of help from other FanSided experts as to which teams might have a legitimate interest in Ernest Jones, and what that team might deem to be fair compensation for him.

Is fiasco too strong of a word? Perhaps. While many confirmed the rumors, Ernest Jones himself emphatically shot down the rumors on social media, then he deleted the Tweet. So what gives with this conflicting and ever-changing situation? Fiasco (definition) - a state of extreme confusion and disorder

While Jones has one year remaining to play on his contract, and as a bargain rate agreed to as a four-year rookie deal, he is seeking a significant pay raise. Such as?

Well, Jones is projected to hit the LA Rams 2024 salary cap to the tune of $3.33 million. While that is no chump change, it's vastly underpriced compared to the FMV of the position for well-established veteran inside linebackers. The price of that tier for the ILB position starts on or about $9 million average per year.

Were the Rams in that ballpark? It's difficult to say, as the team rigidly adheres to a policy of not making contract negotiations public.