Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones did not practice on Monday after being given permission to look for a trade.
Jones clarified on social media Sunday that he did not request a trade, posting on X before removing the post. Coach Sean McVay confirmed Jones’ statement and mentioned that talks with both Jones’ agent and other teams are continuing.
“You know, I think these are conversations sometimes, you know, things get out there. But in his defense, he’s right, he never requested a trade,” McVay said. “We had communication with his representation, there’s been some dialog with teams, and that’s kind of where it’s at.”
Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract, having started 26 games over the past two seasons.
A third-round draft pick from South Carolina in 2021, Jones has become a team captain and the defensive play-caller on the field, but at a position where the Rams have usually not spent much money since McVay became coach in 2017.
“But these are parts of the profession, and they’re not fun parts but they are real parts that you have to acknowledge,” McVay said. “And Ernest is a pro in every sense of the word, and so we’re just kind of dealing with it a day at a time.”
McVay said he hopes to understand the situation better soon.
“There’s a lot of discussions that are ongoing right now,” he said. “I think there’s always a little bit increased urgency around the league, not exclusive to just this situation, with just the possible movement that can occur here.
And so I’m sure the next time that I talk to you I’ll have a little bit more clarity, but we are working through those things, and there’s changes by the minute potentially.”
