3 players LA Rams will regret leaving off the 53-man roster in 2024

(3) - Trading away starting ILB Ernest Jones

The teams pivoted rapidly from ensuring veteran inside linebacker Ernest Jones would be extended to trading him away 'for the good of the team,' almost overnight. And I am admittedly no authority or expert on what is best for the team, but the way this team seemed to shoot from the hip at the last minute before the NFL roster cuts deadline to part ways with Ernest Jones has some clear flaws in the planning. Let's break it down.

First problem - The reaction of the LA Rams to oust Ernest Jones may be what the team views as what's best for the team, but it is not immune to the growing pains that come with no clear succession plan. The team held both Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom out of preseason games, a clear indication that they had made the roster. But neither are adequate substitutes for Jones as the starter and play caller. We know the ceiling of both Reeder and Rozeboom. Unless they blow away all expectations right out of the games, the defense is going to struggle in the first few games until either Omar Speights or Elias Neal can earn the starting role.

Second problem - The team's instant insistence that trading Jones away for next to nothing (upgrading a 2026 Round 6 pick to a 2026 Round 5 pick) was in the best interest may fit into trying to do right by their players, but it continues to dig a hole for future negotiations. Yes, the Rams are successful. But how long can the team continue to pay a premium to acquire players (i.e. RB Sony Michel, IOL Kevin Dotson) while giving deep discounts when trading players away (i.e. ILB Ernest Jones, DB Jalen Ramsey, RB Cam Akers)? The Rams are superb in identifying true talents and fit for the team. But when it comes to driving a hard bargain? This team rolls over pretty easily.

Third problem - The LA Rams seem to have a formula for success, and seldom deviate from that formula. Under Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris, the team seemed to have a new need for a capable at the inside linebacker position. Not only did the team draft ILB Ernest Jones with the 104th overall pick in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft, but the team also added All-Pro ILB Bobby Wagner. The plan was to use Wagner's expertise to elevate Jones' ceiling. Now, all of that investment, both in terms of draft value, coaching, and even mentoring is gone. Poof. Instantly.

The team had reasons for the decisions made, and it may never quite surface. Was it concern over Ernest Jones' recurring knee injury? Did Jones and a member of the coaching staff fail to see eye to eye? Who can say? But when the Rams decide to part ways with a player, it happens pronto.

A similar pattern developed with former QB Jared Goff. One day he was extended with a lucrative contract. But after the 2020 NFL season, the team could not part ways with him fast enough. Some things simply do not change.