The Rams are considering signing Ernest Jones to a longer contract.

The Los Angeles Rams made an astute move in the 2021 NFL Draft by picking Ernest Jones from South Carolina in the third round. This decision proved to be a bargain as Jones swiftly became a significant contributor as a linebacker, playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the Super Bowl that same year.

Jones didn’t rest on his laurels after his promising rookie season. In 2022, he elevated his performance, registering 114 tackles and one interception across 17 games, with 11 starts. His progress continued into 2023, where he made 15 starts and surpassed James Laurinaitis’ franchise record for tackles in a season with an impressive 145 tackles. Recognizing his leadership qualities, Jones was also appointed as a team captain alongside key players like Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, and Cooper Kupp, among others.

As Jones enters the final year of his contract, there’s anticipation surrounding his potential free agency after the 2024 season. Rams’ general manager, Les Snead, expressed the team’s interest in securing Jones for the long term. Snead acknowledged Jones’ pivotal role as a leader in the defense and hinted at a shift in the team’s investment strategy, considering Jones’ emergence as a standout performer in the inside linebacker position.

Despite the Rams historically not prioritizing heavy investment in the inside linebacker position, Jones’ consistent growth and leadership qualities have prompted the team to reconsider. His impending free agency status adds a layer of urgency to discussions about his future with the team.

Jones’ current contract sees him earning a base salary just under $1.2 million for the upcoming season, a figure that significantly undervalues his contributions on the field. His impact goes beyond statistical measures, making him one of the league’s most underrated yet invaluable players.

In addition to Jones, the Rams are also eyeing the retention of Kevin Dotson, who joined the team from the Pittsburgh Steelers, bolstering the right guard position. Dotson’s performance, earning an impressive 85.2 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) this season, especially in run blocking, has caught the attention of multiple teams in the league. Snead acknowledges Dotson’s value and recognizes the competitive market for his services, reaffirming the Rams’ interest in retaining his services for the upcoming seasons. Dotson’s contributions have notably contributed to the success of the Rams’ ground game, particularly in facilitating Kyren Williams’ breakout season.