Rams Ernest Jones gets endorsement from respected NFL voice amid trade rumors

It was supposed to be a quiet Sunday for the LA Rams, the silence of a dawning day that would be a final bastion of tranquility before the barrage of Rams roster cuts and the turmoil of pivoting from releasing players into re-signing players to the practice squad. I won't lie. Based on the depth and talent on the roster right now, I was eager to soak in a quiet Sunday morning, summarize what we learned about the team throughout OTAs, mini-camp, training camp, and preseason, and project what this team might become in 2024.

And then, the earth underneath my feet shook with the Rams rumors reported today that veteran ILB Ernest Jones is seeking a trade. The timing could not come at a worse time for the team. The Rams typically try to do right by their players, but in the process seem to get pennies on the dollar for what the value of the traded player should be. The Rams traded All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a Round 3 pick and TE Hunter Long. Long has yet to catch a pass for the Rams.

So glowing optimism over getting a solid draft pick(s) package in return for a potential Pro Bowl NFL inside linebacker seems like a pipe dream. Well, perhaps. But at least one respected NFL voice is chiming in with an unfettered endorsement for any team seeking to upgrade their roster. You see, Brett Kollmann is the creator of "The Film Room," and a respected NFL analyst. His opinion? Run, don't walk, to the phone and make Rams GM Les Snead listen by opening the conversation with a Round 2 or 3 pick.

He even says to be thankful that Jones is available:

That would certainly be a stark contrast to the team's willingness to let elite players leave to greener pastures.

But he's not wrong, you know. By even conservative estimates, Jones is a master at so many roles at leading a defense. He is a run stuffer, a guy who can stuff the hole and generate tackles for a loss. He can sack the quarterback, or fall back into pass coverage. And with every play, he creates problems for opposing offenses.

He is entering his fourth season, so he is bargain-basement priced. And yet, he is as good as veterans with far more experience. While he wants to 'get paid,' he has not held out of training camp to make his demands felt. Now, as the team pivot to the start of the 2024 NFL season, the lack of progress on a new deal has left him believing that no new deal will be forthcoming.

In his opinion, the grass truly is greener elsewhere.

While I would never have wished this team to end up here, this does create an opportunity to recoup the Round 2 pick traded to the Carolina Panthers to trade up for DT Braden Fiske. A horrific consolation prize? Yes. But if Jones wants out, the Rams should optimize their trade compensation.

Just this once?

Thanks for reading.