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Despite NFL cuts looming, Rams rumors hint imminent trade of key defensive cog

An unexpected Rams rumor has burst onto the scene, and it's implications for the team could be devastating.

ByBret Stuter|
Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams
Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams | John McCoy/GettyImages

When it comes to the LA Rams, the team has certainly been willing to put its money where its mouth is. But for some positions on the football field, that 'abundance of riches,' never seems to take hold. The team has some positions that, for lack of better descriptions, it would rather replace then compensate. You don't need to have been a lifelong Rams fan to recognize the team's frugality when it comes to the safety position on defense.

Or the inside linebacker position.

When the team had the benefit of All-Pros on defense like DT Aaron Donald, or even DB Jalen Ramsey, it made sense to do so. Frugality at some positions meant luxury at other positions, and the team could use savings generated by keeping the lid on the safety and linebacker roles to compensate for their elite players at cornerback and defensive tackle.

So, why is the team not extending their key dog on defense in 2024? While you ponder that mystery, here is another: Will Ernest Jones IV and his representatives find an NFL team willing to trade for Jones before the trade deadline?

ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler reports Rams rumors that Jones is seeking a trade. And we know how that typically pans out for the Rams in the past: The team will trade an unhappy player.

While this is horrific timing, it could be worse. The team has two vibrant and exciting ILB rookie prospects in LSU's Omar Speights and Marshall's Elias Neal. Both have looked incredible in preseason games, and a rumored trade of Ernest Jones could compel the team to find ways to keep both.

And if Jones finds a trade before the NFL roster cuts deadline on August 27, 2024, and 1:00 pm PT, the team could negotiate fair compensation for Jones, while opening the door to allow rookies to showcase their NFL skillsets.

But that is trying to paint this into a positive picture, which it is not. New Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula has worked with Ernest Jones IV and entrusted him to lead this defense. If he is unhappy, that throws the team's plans askew. And Game 1 against the Detroit Lions on the road is just two weeks away.

This is not something the team, or fans, wanted. But hopefully, it will all work out for everyone.

Thanks for reading.

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