Following his breakout season, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones is officially looking for a trade. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product spent the past three years establishing himself as one of the game’s better traditional linebackers. Starting and appearing in 15 games last year, the linebacker finished the season with 145 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, six quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and a 78.8 PFF grade, the 13th-best mark in the league. He’s a threat as both a run defender and pass rusher and should have a bright future in this league.
Unfortunately, that future might not come with the Los Angeles Rams. Now entering the final year of his contract, Jones wanted an extension that accurately reflected his value to the team. Talks appear to have stalled, as the Rams recently permitted Ernest Jones to seek a trade. Sean McVay might not have the financial liberty to give Jones the contract he desires, but the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers might be able to make the money work.
Ravens, Panthers Could Be Frontrunners In Ernest Jones Trade Sweepstakes
The Baltimore Ravens boast one of the most talented defenses in the league with strong players at all three levels of the defense. However, the defense won’t have as much talent in 2024, as former first-round pick Patrick Queen signed a massive contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a slow start to his career, Queen made a name for himself while paired alongside superstar linebacker Roquan Smith. The Ravens never found an ideal replacement for Queen, but they could land their next great enforcer with an Ernest Jones trade.
With needs at cornerback, offensive line, and edge defender, Baltimore didn’t have the resources to land a top linebacker during free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps the team believes 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson is up for the job, but if there’s even a shadow of doubt in their mind, they should trade for Ernest Jones. Baltimore’s defense is built around its linebackers, and combining Jones with Smith should create one of the league’s best all-around units.
The Carolina Rebuild
The Carolina Panthers are once again in the midst of a long rebuild. First-year head coach Dave Canales has to rebuild the team in his image, and he’s started to do that with the additions of guard Robert Hunt, wide receiver Xavier Legette, and running back Jonathon Brooks. However, this team had too many holes to fill in one offseason, and the defense didn’t receive as much attention as it should’ve. While edge rusher Brian Burns was the biggest departure, the team also lost Frankie Luvu to the Washington Commanders. This team needs foundational players for their rebuild, and an Ernest Jones trade could get them a cornerstone defender.
Canales is an offensive coach, but the former Buccaneers offensive coordinator has an old-school mindset to the game. Finding a player who can make a difference on all three downs is crucial to his defense, and an Ernest Jones trade would give Carolina their best linebacker since Luke Kuechly.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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