Definitely puzzling.
For one, Young was getting the most snaps at ILB up until yesterday. He appeared to be playing well; and was often talked-up by the coaches during Camp and the Pre-season.
Then there is the minimal return. It's not even a sixth round pick for Young. It's Young and a #7 for a #6. So the Rams are basically moving-up one round at the cost of their most productive (to-date) ILB.
And it's a 2024 sixth round draft choice. Had Young played-out the season, and signed elsewhere in free agency, that may have gotten the Rams a 2023 sixth round compensatory pick.
Maybe there is a trade pending but this move seems to net only about another $1M of cap space.
Maybe the Rams love what they are seeing from Ernest Jones but they still need depth. I don't believe there is an Inside Linebacker on the Practice Squad, so right now it's Reeder, Jones and Travin Howard.
Definitely curious about what may happen next. I hope it's something. Heck! I'm 4th on the depth chart at ILB!