Ernest Jones Trade Update, Why LA Won't Pay Jones, Rams Found Hidden Gem UDFA. Injury News & More

The Los Angeles Rams have avoided contract drama better than any team in the NFL, but have granted captain linebacker Ernest Jones permission to seek a trade amid failed contract negotiations that started back in March. D-Mac and Travis discuss the latest on Ernest Jones and why the Rams are reluctant to give him a big payday. Next, the Rams could be without both of their starting tackles to start the season. Plus, Rams' UDFA linebacker Omar Speights could be the hidden gem of the year in the NFL.
Follow on X: @DMAC_LA
Follow on X: @TravisRodgers
Follow the show on Twitter: @LockedOnRams
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com....
Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More
🎧 linktr.ee/Lock...
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Monopoly GO!
Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Pay. The mobile hit twist on classic MONOPOLY.
Yahoo Finance
For comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.
BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON today to get 10% off your first month.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS - win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

[@jacobbean9473]

Omar Speights is a tackling machine, I think his emergence is the reason why the org is so willing to let Jones walk, I suppose we'll have to see, love Jones though forever a Ram superbowl champ

[@michaeldoss9532]

Speight proved he can cover Wrs and Tes too which Jones struggled for 3 years to do .

[@eyesdoubleO]

But they couldn't play them together for 1 yr half a season?

[@JayNichols-h7i]

Omar looks like an elite player in the making, It doesn't take long to recognize elite talents, his play stood out like Puka from last year. Didn't see that with EJ his rookie year, he peaked.

[@shindanu]

Agreed. He's smart also.

[@KevinsdadNorb]

This situation is over - Ernest is a Titan. Damn it.

[@tonybino01]

Kinda sucks this situation with Ernest Jones happens right before the start of the new season.

[@jeffreylytle1563]

I started the Omar reasoning as udfa, the first online blogger to mention the Omar theory... caught on quickly by media... Ya'll Welcome to follow the top Ram's prognosticator... what I write is so good and juicy like an In N Out Double Double!

[@shindanu]

Hipster?

[@justhewaves]

Travis' face when Doug said, "Stetson Bennett was out. He was dealing with a 'family issue'" had me dying. 😂 If Stafford goes down, that's it, and that's on McVay and Snead. No excuses when they just let Wentz walk for a guy that can't play professional football and another that literally isn't allowed to play. GO RAMS

[@Trenchbaby32]

Anddd Ernest jones is traded for a bag of chips

[@beardedsoul7845]

If I was a LB I would hate playing for the rams. I love them but I wouldn't trust my future with them

[@shindanu]

Play hard get paid in the market.

[@beardedsoul7845]

@shindanu this statement lol means nothing to what I said.. again as a LB I would hate to play for the Rams. I could ball out and I would be afraid they won't pay me.. for the player I become. This is proven. Most don't really play to hit the market especially if your on a good team.

[@MJC1891]

Welp as of now he’s a titan. wtf we got fleeced

[@tyronemayers1943]

Imagine Omar and ernest in that 3 -4 defense

[@michaeldoss9532]

E jones was ranked 30th out 32 top middle linebacker by PFF .He lacked pass coverage as a linebacker. Omar Speight has shown better coverage in camp and preseason at a cheaper price .You dont call other teams as an agent to get prices on your player then take that back to his team. I think the agent was his downfall to be traded to the titans .

[@memoreno9]

Are the usuals here today?

[@parisbeech2180]

Huh?

[@Broskee2]

No sir. I won't be one either until Downer Debbie Travis goes

[@Trenchbaby32]

Yes

[@briannickel6813]

​@@Broskee2I know, so cringe.

[@shindanu]

I'm new.

[@randyrobertson3440]

All you got to do is give a performance-based contract simple. If you perform certain amount you get certain amount or incentives. It's pretty simple.

[@dr.pakadoc717]

UPDATE: I predicted a 4th round for Jones, a typical low draft pick for a solid Ram player... Well, Ram front office said, "Hold my beer." Worse than the Jalen Ramsey trade to the Dolphins. The Rams got a 2026 5th round pick; the Titans got Jones AND a 2026 6th round pick. Wow, I was right that someone will pay his salary.

[@jeffreylytle1563]

Simply put, Omar forced EJ4 to be traded... saw this coming once Rams signed Omar!!

[@shindanu]

Omar is a stud. McVay said he was a grown man.

[@mreppen1]

I’ve been listening to Travis since the Orange County Jim Rome days. I trust his judgment.

[@tommyaddison6539]

Jones is gone….not the end of the world . Rams don’t mess around, keeping the toxic vibes out of the locker room

[@kingfrederick1021]

Man pay Ernest Jones he had 145 tackles in one year what else does he have to do so what kind of message are u sending to the younger players because believe or it not they are watching this situation closely

[@raekwonjacobs5963]

He did that playing behind Aaron Donald tho. Everybody looks better playing with him

[@willymaze32]

@@raekwonjacobs5963now he’ll be playing behind big Jeff Simmons

[@WestVirGREENia304]

We never pay MLB..crazy huh

[@kingfrederick1021]

@@raekwonjacobs5963 yeah u are right

[@garypenrod5585]

Speights better in coverage too.

[@shindanu]

I agree. He looks better all around.

[@u.s.aarchangelforgod3679]

Locked on Rams 💯💪🏽

[@marvlarson2403]

Why Rams moved on from Jones Let’s not sugarcoat the multiple truths here. One, the Rams had already made it clear in the spring that they would not be getting an early extension done for Jones. Sometimes they have waited until training camp for these, but when it became clear they were committed to letting Jones play out his fourth season teams began sniffing around to see if he would be available. GM Les Snead has a saying: “If it is inevitable, make it immediate.”. Two, Jones missed some practice time in the spring due to a knee issue but was back in camp. Yet the time he did miss, plus the Rams’ four joint practices, allowed the coaches to get a long look at Speights, a rookie UDFA, who will make their game-day roster. The Rams do not invest financially in their ILB position so the emergence of a young player on a full-tenure rookie deal became an asset. Still, the Rams will miss Jones’ leadership (he was a team captain) and his ability as a blitzer. Both qualities, by the way, make him a good fit with Titans DC Dennard Wilson. - Jourdan Rodrigue, senior Rams writer

[@shindanu]

Great take.

[@ericmedeiros5990]

Doesn't jones have 1 year left on his contract? He has to play right?

[@mikewilliams126]

He stated he wouldn't mind playing without a contract this season. The team is making this decision.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

What happened to "We Not Me"

[@jeraldgardner1481]

Sounds like he overplayed his hand just a bit. He’s a good player and a defensive leader and wants to get paid for it. However it doesn’t appear the Rams want to pay and they called his bluff. Now the question is if someone replaces him what does the drop off in production will look like. 30% 50%, 80% ?

[@EddieaFU]

I feel like they wanna see how EJ does without playing behind AD before they pay him the money he wants & I agree

[@zabtru1]

Now he has Big Jeff Simmons ⚔️🔥⚔️

[@EddieaFU]

@@zabtru1 hope the best for him, he was a dog. Rookie Speights gonna have some shoes to fill but if he plays like he did in preseason we'll be ok

[@dubbjones5476]

@@EddieaFUhe’s played like that he’s whole career. Oregon St to LSU. Was excited when we signed him as a UDFA

[@shindanu]

​@dubbjones5476 plus he read the defense. He's smart.

[@thomaslocke38]

​@@zabtru1 and big T Sweat!!!

[@Hiphopismybestfriend803]

EJ just got traded to the Titans

[@shindanu]

😮

[@zaratekid4]

Getting only a 5th/6th pick swap for him is laughable. Wouldn’t they have gotten a 3rd round compensatory pick for him after this season anyway?

[@Johnny_Chingas13]

That's what I'm shaking my head at

[@shindanu]

​@@Johnny_Chingas13 I don't understand what's happening with this trade?

[@TheCountofToulouse]

Don't sleep on Drake Stoops, another UDFA who the Rams are high on. His skill set could have him being a Wes Welker type.

[@dr.pakadoc717]

I think the Rams recognized him, the competition is too strong.

[@ricddewbe54]

He is gone. As he should be.

[@TheCountofToulouse]

@@ricddewbe54 Since when, according to sources, he's on the depth chart.

[@lionheart6699]

@@ricddewbe54lol bro savage 😂

[@ricddewbe54]

@@TheCountofToulouse Since I knew he would be gone. Will be more changes. When I referenced he was gone I meant he won't make the 53 man roster. Which he won't. Take a look at your depth charts now. He is probably on the Rams or somebody's practice squad. Where he needs to be.

[@rw7632]

The best middle linebacker they let go, Hacksaw Reynolds.

[@craigosterberg5045]

Go Rams

[@ramfanbland]

Ernest Jones is a leader, a very good linebacker, far above average but he's not a generational talent. You can get 80-85 % of his production from other players and Kobie Turner and Jared Verse will lead the defense. I don't want Jones traded but if it happens the Rams will survive it and still be pretty successful.

[@victorvaldenegro4001]

Well said. I agree completely. Rams 2025 SB!

[@parisbeech2180]

​@@victorvaldenegro4001kinda early for super bowl talk 😂

[@JayNichols-h7i]

He's not going to be nearly effective without AD in front of him as well & I think the Rams front office know this. Would be even more exposed in pass coverage.

[@claycassin8437]

Trading away a team captain when he asks for an extension to his rookie contract after a dynamite year. Good luck with that locker room, guys. You're gonna need it.

[@jeffreylytle1563]

Join us over at Rams Brothers, a Ramily of inputs.

[@shindanu]

I was over there.

[@drewskimack732]

I think Les stated somewhere that D-front and the back end of D is where to pay players. That leaves MLB with pennies

[@joandro4]

That trade sucks….Rams irritate the hell outta me with their trades. They always seem to give up great players for crap picks. Jones may have not been a top 5 LB but he has proven himself. He should have gotten paid. Hopefully this doesn’t “F” up this season to bad….go RAMS

[@freddiecarr7602]

Reddick to my NFC team-Rams, Jones to my AFC team Jets. Im going to the Bar

[@lionheart6699]

Super Bowl : rams vs jets 😂🎉

[@sandyal1968]

I'm at the mindset.. Rams know what they're doing.. don't have to like it.. but GO RAMS!

[@ArmenArmenjs]

Rams received 2026 5th round pick!!!!!!! Are you kidding me. ???????????? Bad move.

[@MJC1891]

10:42 they just blinked

[@MichaelSampson-c4d]

Jones is a VERY GOOD linebacker who wants SUPER STAR 💰💰💰

[@StevenAhner]

I cannot remember the last time sneed made a good trade

[@dr.pakadoc717]

Predictions: The Rams get a 4th round pick for Jones; they keep Bennett on roster all season; they don't answer the phone from Wolford or Rypien's agents; and Rams resign Ben Skowronek. Well, maybe not the last point. On Jones, what does, "They don't do drama." even mean? What's dramatic about wanting to get paid toward the end a successful rookie run? The fact is, they (good players) all get paid, he'll get paid here or somewhere else. Unless the Rams know he's not healthy, they need to sign him (reasonable deal).

[@StraightSteveMason]

hello

[@woodie1096]

I think EJ was being pretty petty to do this right before the start of the season. Play out the last year of your contract dude. You have another great year you may get what you want, or then you can go free agent. Shitty thing to do to a team you supposedly love.

[@shindanu]

Wasn't him. This was a roster move.

[@tonyvasquez7883]

traded Jones for a 5 round pick in 2 years plus also gave up a 6th round pick too. traded to Titans

[@johngraziano4554]

I gues pass rush efficiency and stppping runs domt mean much than not as much as stopping the WR

[@laramstake3742]

The way our depth played along the offensive line in the preseason we will be fine without our starting tackles week one. Yall kind of blow things out of proportion on this show. Trevor screaming Aiden Hutchinson and I’m screaming Kyren Williams and Blake corum. Meaning run the ball

[@templehillsfunk]

Stetson Bennett is full of personal issues. #GeeWiz

[@JayNichols-h7i]

He would've won us that last pre season game easily. Dresser Winn was horrible. Stetson has some skill and good mobility and arm strength for his size.

[@johngraziano4554]

Been waitin for Havenstein to give up gues he just dont give up

[@Carl_NoWinslow]

Here from the future to tell you Ernest Jones is a Titan and the Rams are a 2026 5th round pick richer

[@shindanu]

😮

[@darcyanddutch]

Better be able to run the ball and control possessions in the Lions game. Otherwise, they're gonna get blown out by 3 touchdowns.

[@MattiasJimenez-q5q]

Whatever happened to whitherspoon?

[@shindanu]

Cut.

[@jonostuard4641]

all the rams need to do is putt pressure on Goff and he will get rattled, fumble, or throw interceptions. Still not sold on the guy.

[@johngraziano4554]

It wouldnt be sacraficial if Jones played the season out i guess

[@ckSport3000]

You guys are WRONG about Stet Bennett.

[@14kminq29]

I just don't understand, aren't you supposed to have the best on the field, why not play both together

[@david-o6g1h]

Yeah, I'm concerned about the Lions' opener from the OL standpoint. BUT...McVay has two weeks to figure it out. A few years ago the Rams got blown out by the Niners in their first meeting of the year, with SF beating up everybody that season. The OL was a "Keystone Kops" comedy, Goff was a happy-feet, panic-stricken, turnover machine, and Gurley a one-legged card table. Even so, the Rams almost pulled out the rematch, losing 35-31. McVay had his O switch to a move-the-chains, dink-and-dunk moving pocket, not giving the Niners fearsome D-line time to tee off on Goff. THIS year LA has some healthy, quality rb's, Stafford is not Goff, and they have to feel better about the OL preseason performance compared to the leaky rowboat from that second Niner game ( sure it was only against reserves, but THEY'RE reserves themselves and graded well even without A. Jackson and Havenstein) AND they will have Jonah Jackson back. Be interesting to see the in-game adjustments to combat Hutchinson.

[@shindanu]

I think hutch is injured right?

[@david-o6g1h]

@@shindanu Hadn't heard that...one can always hope!...lol.

[@shindanu]

@@david-o6g1h I heard a podcast report it. Early August he got hurt.

[@nixpixmusic]

AD..Are you watching..Now we need your help..Your BOY just up and left his BROTHERS...A WEEK BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL RUN? DAMN....

[@Johnny_Chingas13]

Traded EJ for an old tooth brush and a open bag of stale sunflower seeds! Wtf?!

[@serrttt]

It looks like he was already traded, to the Titans.

[@CrypticParad0x]

Why are we acting like this is saving us money!?!?!? It saved $3 million. That's pocket change. If we didn't want to pay him NEXT year, that's fine, but this year he was cheap.

[@briannickel6813]

Traded to the Titans....

[@thithien]

Rams just traded Ernest Jones to the Titans. Not sure what they received in return.

[@Johnny_Chingas13]

Bag of shit pretty much

[@arthoskins7667]

The Rams don’t care about MLBs… they have let many walk in the past…. Just sucks because he had a record breaking year and he couldn’t get his bag…

[@danhunt4224]

They just traded him to the Titans

[@raekwonjacobs5963]

Donald made a lot of guys look better than what they were. Love jones but we all needed to see how the defense would look without Aaron Donald

[@johngraziano4554]

Im not gonna lay any blame on anyone but the orgsnization Sure they aint gonna eat up anybodys money but they aint gonna pay em out either

[@marcusthomas9817]

The Rams have a history of getting rid of good black linebackers Cory Littleton, Kenny Young, Dante Fowler, Bobby Wagner, Ernest Jones and so on but they keep Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom, Give me a MF break, this is why they have a weak run defense and they get chewed up on the ground.

[@jeffreylytle1563]

This show wastes breath on EJ4... IT IS SIMPLE WHY... OMAR!

[@Tchip99]

It sucks donald passed him the torch and he couldn’t step up for us.

[@tobylittlerams]

Stetson Bennett is a lost cause waste of a pick.