LOS ANGELES -- Since Aaron Donald signed a contract extension before the 2018 season, the Los Angeles Rams have not signed a defensive draft pick to a second contract.
But six seasons later, the Rams have a candidate to break that trend. Linebacker Ernest Jones, a third-round pick in 2021, is entering the last season of his rookie deal and, alongside Donald, is one of the leaders of the Los Angeles defense.
Going into last season, the Rams knew they'd be relying on Jones, their defensive playcaller, even more in 2023.