Titans acquire Ernest Jones from Rams: Full details and grade

At one point during the offseason, the linebacker position became an issue for this Tennessee Titans team.

Signing Kenneth Murray as a free agent, the Titans looked to bank on his draft billing and youth, as a former first-round pick. Murray has won a starting job, to no one's surprise. But, the other spot could have used an upgrade going into Tuesday.

As teams worked their way down to their 53-man rosters, the Titans took advantage of some news that broke this week. Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones was given permission to seek a trade, although the veteran came out and said he didn't ask for it.

Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the former third-round pick had become one of the better, young linebackers in the league. With no word that Los Angeles was going to work on extending Jones, the Rams and Titans struck a deal.

Jones was sent to the Titans via trade on Tuesday afternoon.

Ernest Jones is exactly what the Titans defense needed

Prior to nabbing Jones from L.A., the Titans were set to start Jack Gibbens next to Murray. And, while Gibbens isn't a bad player by any means, he's better suited as a reserve.

Speaking of reserve, the Titans also have second-year pro and former undrafted free agent Otis Reese along with seventh-round rookie James Williams on the roster for rotational purposes. But, this defense lacked another concrete, dependable starter.

That's where Jones fits right in.

Coming off a career year with 145 total tackles including 74 solo and 14 tackles for loss, Jones became a staple for that improved Rams defense in 2023. He finished the season as one of the top run-defending linebackers in the game, with 47 stops on the year, per Pro Football Focus.

Jones also finished with 5.0 sacks and six quarterback hits last season, proving he can be an excellent pass rusher when called upon.

As for dropping into coverage, that's where Jones could use a little improvement. In 2023, he gave up an opposing passer rating of 90.3 but also notched six pass breakups. His pass defense isn't elite, but it's also not poor. He's right in the middle in that aspect of the game.

From the Titans' perspective, this trade is pretty easily graded. They have done nothing but add to their defense all offseason, giving the unit balance at all three levels. Jones simply adds to what they've already done, and Tennessee receives a draft pick in return, as well. The 24-year-old will likely desire a new deal, and if the Titans give it to him, then this deal is an A+.

For now, we'll give them a strong 'B,' with potential to be graded higher depending on an extension.

Grade: B+