Ran Carthon's 'superpower' smooths over concerns about Titans trade for Ernest Jones IV

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon is a master relationship builder.

Throughout his 16-year career as a scout and front office executive, Carthon's ability to network and form connections has always been something to lean on.

When Ran speaks, people listen. And when people speak to Ran, it feels like he is intently listening in turn. After being hired as the Titans' new head coach, Brian Callahan went as far as to say that Carthon's social skills are his "superpower."

"Relationships are sort of his superpower," Callahan said in an interview with The Athletic's Mike Jones . "He's got an incredible ability to connect with people, an incredible ability to be able to have hard conversations in a manner that connects and people understand the message and they don't take it personal."

It's really hard to not like Ran. While likability may not be the most important trait for a succesful NFL GM, there are definitely moments where it becomes a huge asset.

For an example of Carthon's networking being beneficial, Titans fans need not look further than the team's recent trade with the Los Angeles Rams for linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Concerns about Ernest Jones

Ernest Jones IV is a really talented young player. In his third NFL season, Jones had 145 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss in 2023 . He also led all linebackers with 30 quarterback pressures (via PFF).

In addition to his on-field impact, Jones was a one of three defensive captains for LA last season. He is a locker room leader and the Rams' recipient of the PFWA Good Guy Award. Following his retirement from football, future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald told Jones that it was "his defense now."

Guys like that don't exactly grow on trees...so why on earth were the Rams willing to give him up for a future pick swap? That's pennies on the dollar compared to what Jones' production would say he's worth. Why was Rams head coach Sean McVay adamant that moving Jones was "best for the football team" in a recent press conference?

There was some speculation that Jones' demands for a contract extension soured his relationships with LA and ultimately led to the trade. But from what Jones has said since arriving in Tennessee, it doesn't seem like a new deal is top of mind.

I've also seen it suggested that Jones has a chronic knee issue that will prove to be problematic...but Jones has been practicing with the Titans since being traded. He told Titans media that the knee feels good and he's on track to play for Tennessee in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.

Regardless of the reason the Rams had for trading Jones, Titans fans can take comfort in knowing that Carthon's superpower helped him explore these concerns before making the trade.

Carthon shuts down concerns

In a press conference earlier this week, Carthon made it clear that he was not concerned with the Rams' low asking price or reports about Jones' knee. Why not? Tennessee's second-year GM referred to his relationships within the Rams organization.

"No I'm not because I have my intel," said Carthon when asked if he was concerned by how willing the Rams were to trade Jones. "I worked in that building for five, six years, worked with Les (Snead) for nine years. I feel comfortable with the information I got out of there and the player that we were bringing in."

Carthon worked as the Director of Player Personnel for the Rams from 2012-2016 before joining the San Francisco 49ers staff in a similar role.

Tennessee's GM was later asked directly about Jones' knee. It's another non-issue for the Titans thanks to Carthon's relationships within the Rams sports medicine department.

"Not to violate HIPAA laws and talk about his medical. But again, their head trainer, Reggie Scott, was trained under taught Todd Toriscelli when he first came into the league. Their director of rehab, Byron Cunningham, was one of my closest friends. So, in terms of getting the medical understanding where the knee was, we were fully comfortable and knowledgeable of what it was and what we need to do for him to keep him going," said Carthon.

At this stage in his tenure, I tend to think that trusting Carthon's judgement is the right way of thinking. The work he has done over the last six months has completely flipped the Titans' roster and the future trajectory of the organization.

Like I mentioned earlier...Ran is a master politician. But he's also a really talented scout with a demonstrated history of identifying undervalued talent. It's important we don't forget that.

Between his evaluation of Jones' game and the conversations he has had behind the scenes, I think this trade is going to be one Titans fans look back on favorably. Jones could end up being the one that got away for the Rams.

Related: Titans rookie turns down other NFL options to stay in Tennessee