the Los Angeles Rams have made a major move trading linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans as part of their final roster cuts for the 20124 NFL season this decision comes after Jones who was at the center of the Rams defense last year found himself installed negotiations over a potential long-term contract with talks breaking down the Rams granted Jones permission to seek a trade ultimately leading to this surprising outcome in exchange for Jones the Titans are sending a 2026 fifth round draft pick to Los Angeles while the Rams will include a 2026 sixth rounder as part of the deal this trade marks a significant shift for both teams especially considering Jones Rising importance in the Rams lineup Ernest Jones IV had been gearing up for what was supposed to be his final season under his rookie contract with the Rams at just 24 years old Jones had already become a staple of the Rams defense particularly after his breakout performances over the past two seasons he was a pivotal part of the Rams Super Bowl winning team in 2021 where he made a name for himself with two interceptions and four pass breakups during his rookie year by 2022 he was an undeniable force on the field racking up over 100 tackles and solidifying his role in the Rams defense however it was in 2023 that Jones truly shined recording an impressive 145 tackles including 14 for loss his performance also included 4.5 sacks and six quarterback hits all of which underscored his versatility and value to the team despite his strong desire to stay in Los Angeles the business realities of the NFL led to his departure for the Rams Jones exit leaves a significant void in a defense already impacted by the retirement of Aaron Donald earlier this offseason the Rams now face the challenge of rebuilding their defensive core without two of their most impactful players on the other hand the tennessy Titans continue to bolster their defense with this acquisition Jones joins a roster that has seen significant addition in recent months including veterans like El jarus Sneed Jamal Adams and quandre Diggs the Titans are clearly making a push to enhance their defensive lineup and Jon's arrival is expected to be a key part of that effort joon's Journey from a promising rookie to a key defensive player in Los Angeles was Swift and now his next chapter unfolds in Tennessee as the NFL season approaches all eyes will be on how Jones integrates into the Titans defense and how the Rams adjust to life without him this tra trademarks a significant shift for both the Rams and the Titans as they head into the 2024 NFL season Ernest Jones IV has been a crucial player for Los Angeles and his departure leaves many questions about the future of the Rams defense meanwhile the Titans are looking to make a deep playoff run with their newly strengthened lineup stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop