The Bucs’ front office is quite busy at the moment mulling over who will stay and who will go as they continue to let go of players in their quest to get down to 53 players. That has meant some notable moves being made, such as the team releasing an established veteran wide receiver on Monday afternoon.

But could another, more significant move be made?

One that means bringing a player in instead of releasing one?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has recently reported that Rams inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV has requested a trade.

Not to be confused with Bucs defensive lineman Earnest Brown IV, who is also a former Ram and is set to make the team, Jones is a young, established inside linebacker who had a big year in Los Angeles and is set to be a free agent in 2025.

Would he be a fit with the Bucs, and what would the trade compensation and a new deal look like for him?

Rams Are Open To Trading ILB Ernest Jones

Rams ILB Ernest Jones – Photo by: USA Today

Ernest Jones is coming off a career year in 2023.

Playing under defensive coordinator and now Falcons head coach Raheem Morris in Los Angeles, Jones started 15 games and recorded 145 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and 4.5 sacks.

Not only did he fill up the stat sheet, but the 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker was also the defensive play-caller. He took over that role from Bobby Wagner, who he learned from while Wagner was with the team in 2022.

It helped him in a big way, and he could further learn from future Bucs Ring of Honor member Lavonte David in Tampa Bay. While head coach Sean McVay stated that Jones has not requested a trade, he did say that they have had “dialogue with teams” about the 24-year-old.

Ernest Jones Would Be An Intriguing Fit For Bucs – But At What Cost?

Rams ILB Ernest Jones – Photo by: USA Today

Ernest Jones’ fit with the Bucs would be intriguing on multiple fronts. Besides playing alongside another marquee linebacker in Lavonte David, Jones could potentially be extended and become the long-term answer at the position after “LVD” decides to hang them up.

Tampa Bay was long hoping to extend former inside linebacker Devin White to carry the torch, but it flickered out the last two seasons and he is now with the Eagles.

Looking at the team’s depth at inside linebacker, there are some question marks. K.J. Britt is slated to take over White’s spot as the full-time starter, and while he brings a lot of energy and fared well last year, there are some concerns about him being an every-down player as he may be considered a liability in pass coverage by some.

There was hope that SirVocea Dennis, the Bucs’ 2023 fifth-round pick, would stand out in training camp and quell some concerns, but he ended his offseason as he did last year, injured and unable to suit up in the preseason. As it stands Monday afternoon, J.J. Russell is likely to stick around on the 53-man roster as the fourth linebacker and mainly play on special teams.

Trading for Jones would likely mean giving him an extension right away, as the Bucs do not want to create a Haason Reddick situation. Per Pewter Report’s resident contract aficionado Josh Queipo, he projects him to make somewhere in the ballpark between a three-year deal worth $33-37.5 million, or a four-year deal worth $45-50 million. The Bucs currently have $22,916,951 in salary cap room right now per OverTheCap.com.

Bucs ILBs KJ Britt and JJ Russell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

As far as potential trade compensation goes, Pewter Report thinks it would be roughly for a fifth-round pick, with a fourth-rounder at best. Would it be worth it to secure the future of the position with an established player such as Jones?

For what it’s worth, advanced statistics backed up Jones’ production last season. Of the 82 linebackers graded by Pro Football Focus, he ranked 13th with a 78.8 defense grade. Where he really makes a name for himself, and which is backed by an extended look at his highlight reel, is his ability to plug up lanes in run defense and get after the quarterback.

Jones ranked sixth in the league with an 83.1 pass-rush grade, while his 86.2 run-defense grade ranked seventh. He profiles as a more complete K.J. Britt, and one that could truly solidify the middle of the Bucs’ defense.

Is it worth it for a 2025 Day 3 draft pick?

That will be up to the Bucs’ front office to decide, but it is something they should at least pick up the phone and inquire about. Talent like this is not always this easy to find.