With injuries and depth questions surrounding the Tennessee Titans’ inside linebacking corps, the team recently made some moves.
Earlier in the week, they made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire inside linebacker Ernest Jones (and a 2026 sixth-round pick) for a 2026 fifth-round selection.
In Tennessee, it did not take long for Jones to become the center of attention. After practice on Wednesday, the highly productive 24-year-old linebacker expressed an appreciation for Kenneth Murray Jr. and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
#Titans LB Earnest Jones IV on playing alongside Kenneth Murray Jr. and for Dennard Wilson. pic.twitter.com/GaLjLiwfjg
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 28, 2024
“Man, I’m loving it. You look at him and the guys in front, and the guys behind you, it’s a really good defense,” he told reporters. “You know, get everything rolling, I get into the system, learn. I think we’ll be pretty, pretty good.”
Starting out behind Murray and Jack Gibbens, Jones should be able to work his way into the rotation and give Wilson another weapon for his attacking defense.
Since being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, Jones has developed into one of the most productive inside linebackers in the league and is coming off a career year with the Rams.
When asked about how he fits into this new system, Jones didn’t hesitate to show some enthusiasm.
“Oh, yeah, we’re gonna have some fun. I think we’re gonna get after a lot of people, blitz and just play tight defense,” he said.
Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The quest for a new contract continues when the Titans open the season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.