According to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Rams and middle linebacker Ernest Jones have begun discussions about a contract extension:
Ernest Jones, an inside linebacker, is a candidate for an early deal, and first discussions have commenced, according to numerous people informed on those discussions. However, neither side is in a rush. These transactions are often made by the Rams either after OTAs or right before training camp.
Jones was chosen by Los Angeles in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2021. In Super Bowl LVI, he played a part in the historic triumph for Los Angeles as a rookie, forcing Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals to make a fourth-down incompletion. When the Rams added veteran Bobby Wagner in his second season, Jones was sidelined; but, in 2023, he assumed control of the defensive play calling duties.
Jones, a plus interior pass rusher and run stuffer, has established himself as a vital member of the Rams defense. It’s possible that his pass coverage abilities are keeping him from being mentioned in the same breath as players like Roquan Smith of the Ravens and Fred Warner of the 49ers.
Jones is being selected by the Rams as a defensive building block who will likely be there after 2024, and this could indicate a financial commitment to off-ball linebackers that the team has not usually made. It may be some time before we hear from Jones and the Rams regarding a contract extension because the team usually finalizes contract extensions for players with existing contracts around training camp.
