Ernest Jones trade has Tennessee Titans fans thrilled, Rams fans irate

Mike Moraitis

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Ernest Jones trade has Tennessee Titans fans thrilled, Rams fans irate image

The Tennessee Titans have made a big upgrade to their defense, with the team pulling off a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for linebacker Ernest Jones.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Titans are getting Jones and a 2026 sixth-round pick and will send the Rams a 2026 fifth-round pick. Knowing the player Jones is, that's one hell of a deal for general manager Ran Carthon.

Jones will slot in as the starting linebacker alongside Kenneth Murray immediately, as he's a massive upgrade over Jack Gibbens, who gets pushed down the depth chart to provide some much-needed quality depth.

Jones tallied 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his third season in the NFL in 2023. Per Pro Football Focus, Jones' 18 tackles for loss and 30 pressures ranked tied for fourth and first, respectively, among linebackers.

The former third-round pick is an excellent complement to Murray, as he's a plus in coverage, whereas Murray is not. Jones posted a coverage grade of 62.5 last season, better than both Murray and Gibbens.

Also, Jones has experience wearing the green dot.

Along with a solid coverage grade, Jones posted overall, run defense and pass-rush marks of 82.1, 90.0 and 78.2, respectively, so he can truly do it all. The only thing Tennessee has to figure out is his contract, as he's in the final year of his deal.

However, if the Titans can get him signed, he could be a long-term solution at just 24 years old. Now, a look at how fans of both teams reacted to the news.

Titans X reacts to Ernest Jones trade

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.