The Seattle Seahawks are taking a serious risk in an effort to bolster their surging defense. They’ve recently extended linebacker Ernest Jones IV, a three-year $28.5 million deal. Jones, who joined the Seahawks midseason through a trade with the Tennessee Titans, aims to make a considerable impact in the upcoming 2025 season after battling knee injuries over the past two years.
Jones participated fully in the organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason. He stuck to his recovery from recent knee surgery and stayed out of full-speed team periods. Even with this simple yet frustrating setback, he seemed pleased about his recovery so far telling reporters, “I’m feeling really good.” His impact on the field will take the Seahawks’ defensive play making to another important ‘next level’. Having joined Buffalo last season, he filled in for Tyrel Dodson in the middle of the defense.
In truth though, the Seahawks’ defense really struggled during the first half of last season. Or, perhaps more tellingly, they let up 146.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked 28th in the league over that seven-week stretch. With Jones’s integration into the lineup, the team managed to finish ninth in points allowed during defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s debut season. Jones’s continuity with the team and his experience are understood to be key components in the defense’s return to form in 2025.
Jones’s connection with his teammates has been noted, as well. Jarran Reed, a veteran defensive lineman, praised him, emphasizing his importance to the unit with a light-hearted reference: “I say it every time, like Terrell Owens said, ‘That’s my quarterback.’ That’s my linebacker. Seriously though, he’s a great addition, man. He’s not only a tremendous ballplayer, he’s got a great baseball mind. He’s a headhunter and a physical player, which makes him one of the defensive dudes that we really zebras.
On top of his on-field contributions, Jones has creatives bond with Coach Mike Macdonald. So they bet each other $1 on whether rookie prospect Nick Emmanwori would know who Jones was. This happened to be true during Emmanwori’s predraft visit. That camaraderie is where you find the greatest impact on team morale. It illustrates the chemistry that’s forming within the defense as they prepare to enter the season.
Even as Jones fights for his recovery, he’s keeping his spirits high and looking forward to tearing things up on the field. “I’m getting back in the mix right now with the guys, so I’m excited… I haven’t been able to play my best ball, whether it be the knee or whether it be other circumstances. I’m excited for this year, truly,” he said.
Moving forward, Jones is focused on making a great impact in his second year, to help a talented defense that has very high expectations entering the 2023 season. His familiarity with the playbook and experience will be instrumental as this team looks to shake off last year’s disappointing record. Reed knew that learning Macdonald’s deep playbook would be an early hurdle. To accomplish better performance, he said focusing on continuity will be key.
Jones’s role will help take individual performances to another level. For one, it’s absolutely necessary if you want a highly coordinated unit on defense. As they prepare for training camp and beyond, the Seahawks are counting on Jones to leverage his skills and leadership capabilities to steer their defense toward success.
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