The Tennessee Titans have pulled off a big trade with the Los Angeles Rams for linebacker Ernest Jones, who provides an immediate upgrade for Tennessee.
The Titans desperately needed to add help at the linebacker position, especially after both linebackers Chance Campbell (torn ACL) and Cedric Gray (nerve-related issue in shoulder) suffered injuries.
Following the departure of Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency, the Titans added Kenneth Murray, but he had his own concerns from his days with the Los Angeles Chargers. The other projected starter, Jack Gibbens, wasn't great in that role in 2023.
As if all that wasn't enough, the team's depth options were questionable, at best, even before Campbell and Gray got hurt. But things are looking a heck of a lot better now after the Jones trade.
Ernest Jones trade details
According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Titans are sending the Rams a 2026 fifth-round pick and are getting back Jones and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Not a bad deal at all for general manager Ran Carthon and Co.
Details:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
— The #Titans receive Ernest Jones & a 2026 6th rounder.
— The #Rams receive a 2026 5th rounder. https://t.co/yEKSPhYAFk
With Jones now in the fold, one would assume he will replace Gibbens atop the depth chart immediately. After all, he's more proven and a better all-around player than Dr. Gibby, who is better suited in the depth role he'll now be in.
Jones is coming off a career-best campaign in which he tallied 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was also a team captain for Los Angeles and wore the green dot.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones posted overall, run defense and pass-rush grades of 82.1, 90.0 and 78.2 in 2023. He was also solid in coverage, coming away with a grade of 62.5, which was better than both Murray and Gibbens.