Titans bolster ILB depth, acquire Ernest Jones from Rams

The Tennessee Titans have acquired inside linebacker Ernest Jones from the Los Angeles Rams, as Jordan Schultz first reported. The Titans are also acquiring a 2026 sixth-round pick in the deal and sending a 2026 fifth-rounder to Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old has been absent from Rams practice while seeking a new deal. However, the team and Jones’ camp were unable to strike up a potential contract extension and will become a free agent following the upcoming 2024 NFL season.

Jones has been one of the better inside linebackers since being taken in the third round, 103rd overall, in the 2021 NFL draft. The South Carolina product most recently tallied a career-high in tackles (145), tackles for loss (14), quarterback hits (6), sacks (4.5), and passes deflected (6) last season.

The move comes on the heels of Chance Campbell landing on the injured reserve (IR) after tearing his ACL in the Titans’ preseason finale on Sunday. Added, 2024 fourth-round pick Cedric Gray was injured for most of training camp, and his timeline to return to the field remains unknown.

The Jones acquisition is the latest in an impressive season for general manager Ran Carthon, who added notable pieces to both sides of the ball. The Titans still have nearly $23 million in cap space, so I would not be at all surprised if Jones is extended before Week 1 of the regular season.

In terms of the fit, Jones should be a welcome addition to Dennard Wilson’s aggressive scheme.