A ton of big-name players were dealt at the NFL trade deadline this season. That list included superstar wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper. None of them have matched Ernest Jones IV’ impact for the Seattle Seahawks.
Jones has been downright outstanding since his arrival. In his first appearance, he totaled a team-high 15 tackles in a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. Shortly thereafter, the Seahawks began embarking on an ongoing four-game win streak. In those first two triumphs, Jones recorded a combined 23 tackles in divisional victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.
On Sunday, Jones made another game-changing play in the rematch with the Cardinals. The former Rams linebacker kick-started Seattle’s explosive first quarter by intercepting Kyler Murray. One play later, Geno Smith connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 19-yard touchdown, giving the Seahawks a 10-7 advantage, one they’d never relinquish en route to winning their fourth straight game, including three within the NFC West.
THAT’S YOURS, ERNEST. pic.twitter.com/hvmDsQp0yr
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 8, 2024
Jones was sent to Seattle by the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round selection. Baker has made little-to-no impact in Nashville, and Jones immediately took over the middle linebacker spot in Mike Macdonald’s defense, transforming a previously struggling unit. Throughout the ongoing win streak, the Seahawks are allowing 15.5 points per contest.
Linebacker was Seattle’s biggest sore-spot on defense during the early portion of 2024. Swapping out both starters, Baker and Tyrel Dodson, for Jones and Tyrice Knight has rebuilt the defense. The Seahawks have made some outstanding in-season trades, including acquiring Marshawn Lynch, Duane Brown, and Quandre Diggs. Lynch notwithstanding, Jones is beginning to establish himself in this all-time conversation.
Jones, who recently turned 25, is slated for unrestricted free agency. The Seahawks should possess interest in re-signing him. Jones currently earns $3.116 million per season and will be in a strong position to demand roughly three times that amount.
Jones has been the MVP of Seattle’s defense since his arrival.
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