Rams trading Ernest Jones to Titans, setting stage for Omar Speights chapter

It was never supposed to go down this way, The LA Rams had all but assured veteran ILB Ernest Jones that a contract extension was coming this year. And to make that point even more 'assured' to their start linebacker, the team did not even tap the 2024 NFL Draft for competition. It was a solid draft steeped in talented linebackers, and the Rams needed to consider upgrading the competition at Jones teammate's position.

The team did nothing in the 2024 NFL Draft. But after the draft, the team could not help but notice that quality inside linebackers did not hear their names called out during the draft. Both former LSU inside linebacker Omar Speights and Marshall inside linebacker Elias Neal were promising players. But undrafted rookies have such a steep hill to climb. Or do they?

48 hours ago, Rams rumors exploded on the internet. Whatever else could be taken away from the explosion of NFL headlines about ILB Ernest Jones rumors, one thing was crystal clear. the front office was making and fielding calls for offers for ILB Ernest Jones. And at least one respected NFL voice hinted that the return on trading ILB Ernest Jones could be as valuable as a Day 2 draft pick.

And so, the stage was set. The Rams front office wizard, GM Les Snead was unleashed. And before the NFL Roster Cuts deadline, the LA Rams found a trade partner, and are now in the process of trading ILB Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans, as per Jordan Schultz from the Schultz report:

So what will the LA Rams get in return?

In keeping with the Rams tradition of trading away players, not much. I suspect that the team allowed Jones to have a say in the exchange, which takes all 'Or best offers,' off the table. So the return for this trade is upgrading a 2026 NFL Draft Round 6 pick to a 2026 NFL Draft Round 5 pick.

That seems, anti-climactic: I believe that Ernest Jones has a Pro Bowl season ahead of him in 2024.

But here we go. The new DC Chris Shula has a new UDFA ILB in Omar Speights. It is definitely a brand new chapter for the LA Rams defense.

Grab your popcorn and stay tuned. And as always, thanks for reading.