Unexpectedly, Ernest Jones IV gets to showcase his linebacker trade against Rams

Ernest Jones (50) bows his head onto the field after the Rams won Super Bowl LVI. Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans and then the Seattle Seahawks this season. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will see a familiar face when he stares across the line of scrimmage Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was a Rams mainstay for three seasons. The 2021 third-round draft pick became a starter midway through his rookie season, helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, became the defensive signal-caller in 2022 and was a team captain in 2023.

But last spring and summer, the Rams made it clear they wanted Jones to play the final year of his rookie contract before offering him a new deal.

In late August, the Rams traded Jones and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for 2026 fifth-round pick.

Jones played six games for the Titans before he was traded last week to the Seahawks for linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

In his Seahawks debut, Jones made 15 tackles in a 31-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

Read more: As trade deadline approaches, Rams start dealing with Tre’Davious White

Does Stafford’s familiarity with Jones give the veteran quarterback an advantage? Or does Jones’ knowledge of Stafford and the Rams’ system give Jones the edge?

“I know who he is as a player,” Stafford said Wednesday. “Physically, really talented. Mentally and emotionally really gifted. Loved being a teammate with him. Have a ton of respect for who he is as a person and as a player.

“I don’t think there’s any disadvantage or advantage. I just know it’s a challenge going against him after going against for years in practice.”

With Jones’ departure, coach Sean McVay and first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula made veteran linebacker Troy Reeder the defensive signal-caller. They also moved Christian Rozeboom into a full-time starting role.

Ernest Jones IV…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unexpectedly-ernest-jones-iv-gets-100004090.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-10-31 10:00:04

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