The Los Angeles Rams might be considering trading Ernest Jones IV, but the key question is whether the linebacker requested the trade.
On Sunday morning, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Rams have allowed Jones’ agents to explore trade options. Jones, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly not made any headway on a contract extension with the team.
If the Rams granted Jones’ representatives permission to seek a trade, it could suggest that the 24-year-old — or his agents — requested this. However, Jones appeared to deny that in a social media post on Sunday afternoon, which he quickly deleted.
“I never asked for a trade,” Jones posted on X, accompanied by a shrugging emoji.
There might be some miscommunication between Jones and his agents. Even if Jones didn’t ask the Rams for a trade, his agents might have suggested it as a negotiation strategy. The Rams could have then responded by allowing them to pursue it.
Jones, a third-round pick in 2021 out of South Carolina, led the Rams with 145 total tackles last season, a career-high. He also had 4.5 sacks and serves as L.A.’s defensive playcaller. Jones has been seen as the leader of the Rams’ defense, especially after Aaron Donald’s retirement.
Jones is set to earn $3.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract this season. Last month, he expressed his love for playing with the Rams and his desire to stay with the team but acknowledged the “business side” of football, noting that the situation isn’t entirely within his control.
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