In his finale with the Rams Jones had a questionable knee, lost playing time; the knee wasn't responding to therapy as hoped and Jones, a well-liked and respected team captain, was facing the lose-lose situation.
His rehab and return to the full-blown starter effectiveness he enjoyed prior to injury was unlikely for the popular player - putting the Rams coaching staff and GM between a rock and a harfd place. Keep him and bench him, even though he's a warrior who wants to play, and deal;with the outfall? You don't park a team captain who wnts to play on the bench. Not feasable.
When traded to Tennessee it looked like the Rams had made the hard but wise decision. What they got in return, at the time, seemed equitable. Joines didn't play much for the Titans - looked washed up when he did. The Rams did him a favor by trading him instead of cutting him, giving him a chance at a new start.Unfortunately, it didn't last long..
His long-term rehab didn't fully complete, and his return to utility as a playuer didn't occur until after he landed with the Seahawks - a scenario the Rams couldn't predict at the time of the trade.
