Some surprising news broke on Sunday as the Los Angeles Rams have granted Ernest Jones permission to seek a trade. Les Snead made it clear in March that the Rams weren’t going to extend Jones this year, but there were no indications that he wanted to be traded.
With Jones seeking a new contract, it remains to be seen if the Rams can find a team willing to give up a draft pick and also pay the linebacker what he’s looking for on his next deal. Here are four potential suitors if the Rams do deal him.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are a natural fit for Jones because of A) their need for an inside linebacker and B) his connection to head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. Les Snead also used to work for the Falcons so he has connections to the organization, too.
The Falcons haven’t been afraid to make a splash this offseason, whether it was the signing of Kirk Cousins, Justin Simmons or the trade for Matthew Judon. A trade for Jones is very possible for this team as the defense continues to take shape.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have Quay Walker, a 2022 first-rounder but he hasn’t exactly been impressive in two years. Matt LaFleur and the Packers could trade for Jones, pairing him with Walker to improve the middle of the defense. He’d be an upgrade over Isaiah McDuffie at linebacker and would be a good fit in their defense, which was previously led by former Rams LBs coach Joe Barry.
Buffalo Bills
Linebacker Matt Milano is injured once again, suffering a torn biceps recently. It’s unclear how long he’ll be out, but at the very least, he’s going to miss Week 1 and potentially even more than that.
The Bills are a team that values linebackers pretty highly and could see the opportunity to acquire Jones as one worth exploring.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have Ejiro Evero running their defense, someone who was on the Rams’ staff in 2021 when Jones was also on the team. Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell are slated to be the starters in their 3-4 scheme, but Jones would be an upgrade over both of them.
The biggest issue standing in Carolina’s way is the lack of its cap space, sitting with only $5.9 million in available room right now.