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

Atlanta Falcons

I would be remiss if I failed to make the most obvious connection between ILB Ernest Jones and his former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Morris was the guy who believed in Jones and was the defensive coordinator who was most likely responsible for the team investing a Round 3 pick into the position. In retrospect, it was certainly worth the investment.

But now Raheem Morris is the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. And based on the number of positional coaches who followed him to the Falcons football organization, he prioritizes making connections to people. No connection is more vital to a defensive coordinator than the one with his play-calling linebacker. Making the connecting between Jone and Morris even more of priority is the fact that Jones was hand-picked for a specific role on the Rams defense that was unmet.

Would Morris like to install his former defensive leader into the Falcons defense? I think so, yes.

The challenge with this scenario is what the LA Rams might be able to pry away from the Falcons in this current situation. Morris understands that the Rams will prioritize the player over trade compensation, so he may convince the team to lowball an offer just to see what happens.

One such 'offer' that makes sense for both sides, is for the Falcons to offer LB Troy Andersen and a future draft pick in exchange for Ernest Jones. Andersen was selected by the Falcons with the 58th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft in Round 2, but after an incredible preseason in 2022, never seemed to deliver for the Falcons in the defense. Andersen suffered a season-ending pectoral muscle injury in Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season.

Both Andersen and Jones would benefit from a fresh start. Jones is the far more accomplished performer of the two, which would ut the Falcons on the hook for a Day 3 draft pick to balance out the exchange.

I am heartbroken that the Rams and Jones could not and likely will not come to terms on an extension, I trust Les Snead to turn water into wine. He has done so in the past, and this flies right up his alley. Stay tuned, it's always darkest before the dawn. Les Snead is not just a GM, he is a wizard as well.

Thanks for reading.