As the regular season was knocking on the Los Angeles Rams‘ door, they had a contract situation to sort out that had been drawing for ages. LB Ernest Jones was entering his final year of contract with hopes of securing a new one. However, the lack of negotiations and the Rams’ unwillingness to budge resulted in Jones seeking a move elsewhere. Well, he might have his request for a trade granted, as reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, who tweeted that the “Rams have granted linebacker Ernest Jones IV and his agents permission to seek a trade.”  

This news might be a big surprise to many out there as Jones was a team captain while having racked up 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year. But neither party’s willingness to move forward in the negotiation might have resulted in the Rams allowing Jones to find a team elsewhere. The Bills, Browns, Lions, Packers, Colts and Eagles could be a possible destination for Jones, with each team seeking to reinforce their defenses.

Looking at the franchises Ernest Jones IV could be a part of before the new season

First of all, the Eagles remain a possible destination for Jones, who continues to remain healthy, unlike LB Nakobe Dean. Although Dean had a strong preseason to show for himself, where he racked up five tackles within just 30 snaps, his health remains a major concern. Last season, the Eagles’ LB suffered a foot injury and a Lisfranc injury that kept him out of action for the majority of games. At the same time, Jones has a strong case for himself, having started 15 games last season while leading the Rams defense from the back.

Elsewhere, Jones could also see himself landing at the Highmark Stadium as the Bills lost LB Matt Milano to a long-term injury. With Jones available for trade, the Bills could pounce as they look to strengthen their defense before the regular season.

Apart from the Eagles and Bills, Jones could join Jim Schwartz, who has reinvented the Browns defense. Having turned the Cleveland outfits into a physical and aggressive unit, adding the 24-year-old would be the cherry on top. As the Rams LB recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks last season while adding 145 tackles to the team’s total.

Although multiple teams could pounce on the opportunity to offer Jones a move out of the Rams, the Lions remain a suitable destination. With an aging defense that consists of 34-year-old Kevin Zeitler and 31-year-old Graham Glasgow, a 24-year-old Jones would be a massive improvement.

The Packers could also make a strong case for themselves as they look to add depth to their defense. Even though LB Ty’Ron Hooper led the team with 11 tackles in the preseason, Jones’s addition could introduce some healthy competition.

Finally, there is the team from Indianapolis who can make a last-minute approach to Jones for helping them put up a strong playoff run after their season ended with a loss against the Texans last season.

Well, the final decision would be up to Jones, who might be gearing up to write a new chapter in his NFL career. However, after the Rams’ decision to let him off the hook and search for a new team, can he seek the right trade that values his talents? Or will it be too late for the LB, as the regular season is almost knocking on the door?

Check out our recent interview with Chris Gronkowski, who shares with us his NFL journey and the off-field stories he had with other NFL players at Dual Threat Podcast with BG12.