Displeased with their off-ball linebackers, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in October. Jones was a complete game-changer for Mike Macdonald’s struggling run defense, elevating that unit to new heights. A standout talent on a weekly basis, Jones accumulated 94 tackles in 10 appearances while undeniably upgrading the position.
Jones performed on an expiring contract, hence why he was available at the trade deadline. Re-signing him should be a big-time offseason priority for general manager John Schneider. He’s a Macdonald linebacker through and through.
Unsurprisingly, Pro Football Focus recently named Jones the one free agent the Seahawks can’t afford to lose this offseason.
Tee Higgins – Bengals
One free agent each team can’t afford to lose this offseasonhttps://t.co/24ycpUzfZc
— PFF (@PFF) January 23, 2025
“The Seahawks traded for Jones mid-season to improve their run defense,” Dalton Wasserman recently wrote. “After arriving from Tennessee in Week 8, Jones earned a solid 72.9 PFF run-defense grade, providing stability alongside rookie Tyrice Knight. Still just 25 years old, Jones could continue to build a solid rapport with Knight as the Seahawks develop their young defense.”
Schneider should make a valiant effort to re-sign Jones this offseason. Linebackers are the beating heart of Macdonald’s defense, further proven by his stint as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Jones should return to Seattle in 2025 via a multi-year extension.
