WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams head coach Sean McVay met with local media on Tuesday to discuss the team's initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season, including the decision to trade linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Titans, running back Kyren Williams serving as the team's punt returner this season and more.
Here are some of the top takeaways from that conversation, which you can watch below.
Trading Jones "football decision" that was "best for our football team"
McVay said trading Jones was a decision "we felt like was best for the football team."
"He's a great guy was amazing for us for a few years, but we felt like this was best for our football team," McVay said.
McVay said he and Jones had multiple conversations, and that Jones "couldn't have been more of a pro."
Finding another way for Williams to impact the game
Last season showed just how explosive Williams can be with the ball in his hands, whether as a runner or pass-catcher. Now, the Rams will add punt returner to Williams' duties.
McVay made the announcement as part of his response to wide receiver Xavier Smith not making the initial 53.
"It's another opportunity for him to get touches and impact the game," McVay said. "And you feel comfortable with that because of the confidence in Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers being able to spell him if need be. So that was what has made it tough for X. He didn't do anything not to win the punt return job, it's just Kyren is a guy that we want to continue to have different ways that he can impact the game, and that's one that's going to be reflected."
No adding veteran inside linebacker; Rozeboom and Reeder ILB1s
The Rams will not be adding a veteran inside linebacker after trading Jones, according to McVay.
McVay said he feels "really good" about the five they have in Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jacob Hummel, Omar Speights and Elias Neal.
McVay indicated Rozeboom and Reeder are slated to be the starters.
