The Los Angeles Rams don’t often sign their own drafted players to contract extensions early, but there are certainly some exceptions. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley fit that mold, and Ernest Jones could, too.
Though Jones has one year left on his rookie contract, he’s a candidate to sign an extension this offseason. Les Snead said this offseason that Jones is “definitely someone we’d like to have around,” adding that he’s a player the Rams will discuss an extension for.
According to The Athletic, those preliminary contract talks have already begun, a good sign for Jones’ chances of landing an extension this offseason before his deal expires in 2025.
Inside linebacker Ernest Jones is a candidate for an early extension and preliminary talks have begun, multiple sources briefed on those conversations said, but there isn’t a rush here from either side. The Rams usually do those types of deals after OTAs, or into training camp.
Jones became a full-time starter and defensive signal caller for the first time in his career last season, playing just about every snap when healthy. He recorded a team-high 145 tackles to go along with six passes defensed and a career-best 4.5 sacks.
Whether it was dropping into coverage, stopping the run or rushing the passer, Jones did it all for the Rams last season and should only continue to get better as he gains experience. Signing him now would likely save the Rams some money, too, rather than waiting for him to have another strong season in 2024, driving up his price tag.