Rams News: Ernest Jones Absent From Rams Practice as Trade Speculations Intensify

Ernest Jones , a key linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, was absent from practice amid swirling trade rumors.

The Rams have reportedly given him permission to explore trade options, a move that surprised many given his importance to the team's defense.

He had recently told Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register that he wanted to stay in Los Angeles to raise his son.

“I know that the work that I’ve put in these past three years, I know I’m worthy of something regardless what the worth may be,” Jones said. “I just want to put together a great year."

"I love to be in L.A., I really want to be here. This is truly where I want to keep my family at, grow my family here. But I also know that there’s a business side of it too that I can’t truly control. We’ll see. Hopefully we can get something done and I can be here for years to come."

Jones has been a standout player since being drafted in 2021, contributing significantly to the Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory.

His performance has only improved over the years, with a notable increase in tackles—he recorded 145 last season, the highest for any Rams player in a single season.

Despite his success, Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Rams have not allocated cap space for a potential extension.

This situation has led to speculation about his future with the team. While he has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, his absence from practice as reported by reported by Grosbard on X . It raises even more questions about his status

As the Rams look to address their defensive challenges, Jones's situation remains a focal point. The team will need to navigate this uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Now, it doesn't seem like Jones doesn't want to be traded, per a now-deleted post on X. Instead, he wants to prove that he belongs in Los Angeles.

“I play football and I’m just excited," Jones said. "I show them another year and I put on another year better than before, that just means that the price goes up.”