what's up guys James Payton here bringing you the latest Rams news today we've got an update on one of our defenses pillars Ernest Jones stay tuned because this story will keep you on the edge of your seat Ernest Jones a linebacker drafted by the Rams in the third round three years ago has shown steady growth since entering the NFL he started as a role player but became the leader of the defense in 2023 with Aaron Donald and Jordan Fuller two captains from last season out of the picture Jones importance will only increase this year is crucial for Jones as it is the final year of his rookie contract next march he will be a free agent unless the Rams extend his contract before then interestingly the Rams chose not to offer Jones a new deal this offseason making him play out the final year of his current agreement but this might work in Jonas's favor as a strong performance could boost his market value in an interview with Adam grossbard of the OC Register Jones made it clear that he would love to stay with the Rams long term but understands that the NFL is a business and not everything is within his control I know that the work I've put in these past three years makes me worthy of something regardless of what the worth may be Jones said I just want to have a great year I love being in Los Ang Angeles I really want to stay here this is truly where I want to raise my family but I also know that there's a business side of it that I can't control we'll see hopefully we can get something done and I can be here for years to come I'm up for the challenge Jones also discussed how his performance might impact future negotiations if I show them another year and perform better than before that just means the price goes up up though he may not receive national attention as one of the best linebackers in football Jones was crucial to the Rams defense last season he excelled as a run Defender and Blitzer frequently pressuring opposing quarterbacks even if he didn't get the sack his pass rush grade of 83.1 was the second highest on the team behind only Donald his 37 total pressures were more than any other inside linebacker in the NFL Jones acknowledges that he can improve in coverage and to that end he lost about 16 lb he now weighs 234 lb which relieves pressure on his knee and allows him to play faster from sideline to sideline he took a page from Donald's book in terms of training and diet I don't know why it took me so long to apply it to myself but everything I've seen Donald do I'm mimicking and trying to do myself extra workouts extra extra recovery taking care of my body I'm doing that more than ever now losing Donald will certainly hurt the Rams defense but with a player like Jones in the middle the team won't lack guidance and Leadership so Rams Fans what do you think does Ernest Jones deserve a new contract leave your comments below and let's discuss