5 NFL teams who should call about a trade for Rams LB Ernest Jones IV

For the life of me, I do not understand why the Los Angeles Rams would consider trading linebacker Ernest Jones IV. He's one of the team's best young defenders, a defensive captain, and has proven himself rather impactful on an L.A. defense that needs more field-tilting talent in the wake of Aaron Donald's retirement.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, it's mainly because the Rams are waffling on giving him a huge contract extension. Which, again, I do not understand:

Needless to say, Jones is a gifted linebacker with a lot of mileage left -- even if he's somewhat limited in pass coverage -- who could help a lot of defenses around the league. Here are some NFL teams that would make the most sense in a trade if the Rams really do move on from his services.

1. Green Bay Packers

Barring another addition before the start of the season, the Packers are set to rely on former 2022 undrafted free agent Eric Wilson as the full-time replacement for former All-Pro De'Vondre Campbell, who was released in March. Jones doesn't fit the Packers' needs to a tee -- he's a blitzing run-stuffer and pass-rusher -- but he would likely make a lot of noise while working next to Quay Walker.

2. Atlanta Falcons

Jones first rose to prominence when now-Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was his defensive coordinator with the Rams earlier this decade. Now, Morris has a mostly complete Atlanta defense, save for a depth chart lacking impact talent at off-ball linebacker. You do the math.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Kirk Cousins' Falcons on the rise, the three-time reigning NFC South champions might finally face reasonable opposition to their divisional supremacy. Adding someone like Jones and finding means to make him work in a linebacker room with long-time team leader Lavonte David and K.J. Britt could go a long way to keeping Tampa Bay on top in the South.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

If any NFL player has expressed displeasure about contract negotiations or needs a change of scenery, it's usually safe to assume that the Eagles have already called. That's just how Howie Roseman operates, as evidenced by his recent deal for former first-round receiver Jahan Dotson.

When it comes to middle linebackers, the Eagles also have a need.

Philadelphia is, for now, trying to plug in a massive hole with the inconsistent Devin White. At this stage, Jones is probably a better and more reliable player and could likely be had for a reasonable price for a team that fancies itself as an NFC superpower.

5. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are in the midst of a rebuild under new head Brian Callahan. Their primary focus appears to be the development of second-year quarterback Will Levis. But that hasn't stopped Tennessee from making investments on the defensive side of the ball like new No. 1 cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. Getting someone like Jones to play behind superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons would make a ton of sense.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 NFL teams who should call about a trade for Rams LB Ernest Jones IV