NFL
The Los Angeles Rams have been heavy spenders in free agency, but their spending spree may cause some delays in extending linebacker Ernest Jones. The Los Angeles Rams exceeded expectations on their way to the playoffs by fostering breakouts from its younger players. Whether it be second-year running back Kyren Williams or receiver Puka Nacua, contributors came out of the woodwork to re-establish the Rams as competitors in the NFC. Some did so just in time for a raise. Right guard Kevin Doston had inarguably the best year of his career in 2023, despite being traded late in the summer in an attempt to merely add a competent body to Los Angeles’ offensive line. His play ascended, and so did his prospects. Dotson was rewarded with a three-year, $48 million contract.
Linebacker Ernest Jones had a career year, too. However, with a year left on Jones’ rookie contract, Rams general manager Les Snead anticipates the linebacker will play the upcoming season without an extension, per Stu Jackson. While those talks remain open, spending on Dotson, safety Kamren Curl, and guard Jonah Jackson, among others, has kicked Jones’ can down the road. That shouldn’t take away from the season Jones had. He was Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best qualified linebacker by their defensive grade, and the production followed. Jones set personal bests in passes defended (six), sacks (4.5), tackles (145), and tackles for loss (14). He was the best player in the second level of Los Angeles’ defense and played an outsized role in the success the unit found. Given the cap allocated to the offense – the second-most in football – it’s no surprise the defense has been cultivated from younger, cheaper talents around defensive lineman Aaron Donald. With the superstar tackle out of the picture, Jones may be next in line to receive a long-term extension in Los Angeles. Per Over the Cap, the Rams have just over $17 million in cap space available for the 2025 season. Linebacker contracts have been a mixed bag, ripe with overpays, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jones surpass $10 million annually on his new deal. How close he gets to the average annual value leader for the position – Baltimore Ravens star Roquan Smith – could be determined by an encore to his strong season.
