Tag: ernest jones

Seahawks’ trade for Ernest Jones IV was best in-season acquisition of 2024

Seahawks’ trade for Ernest Jones IV was best in-season acquisition of 2024

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.

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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Watch: Seahawks snag back-to-back interceptions in the first quarter

Watch: Seahawks snag back-to-back interceptions in the first quarter

The Seattle Seahawks have had an explosive first quarter, and it has been fueled by the defense forcing turnovers. The Cardinals drew first blood with an opening drive touchdown, but that was where their highlights ended in the opening frame.

On Arizona’s second possession, quarterback Kyler Murray threw a dart directly to Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. It was the first interception Jones has snagged as a Hawk.

One play later, Geno Smith found Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give Seattle the lead.

The fireworks did not end there for Seattle’s defense. On the Cards’ ensuing drive, pressured by linebacker Derick Hall, Murray tried to escape pressure. Unfortunately for him, his hurried pass landed in the waiting arms of safety Coby Bryant.

Two weeks ago, Bryant won NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his interception and subsequent touchdown return. While this didn’t make it back to the house this time, the Seahawks still took advantage by finding the end zone five plays later behind the legs of Zach Charbonnet.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter today for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

The Seattle Seahawks moved into first place in the NFC West by beating the Arizona Cardinals 16-6 in Week 12. It represented a dominant defensive performance by Mike Macdonald and Co., who held the Cardinals to six points and 3-of-13 on third and fourth down attempts. The Seahawks managed five sacks and limited Arizona to under 300 yards of offense. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Leonard Williams | 87.0

Leonard Williams was downright dominant against an outmatched Cardinals offensive line. Williams was credited with generating seven quarterback pressures and two sacks. It was arguably the best performance of his Seahawks tenure to date, and his highest individually-graded game of the season.

Ernest Jones IV | 73.5

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV has completely transformed this run defense since his arrival via trade with the Tennessee Titans. Jones once again led the Seahawks in tackles with 10 takedowns. He helped limit Cardinals running backs Trey Benson and James Conner to 26 rushing yards via 11 carries, allowing just 2.36 YPC. Dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray scampered for just nine yards via two scrambles.

Julian Love | 71.1

Safety Julian Love played 100 percent of defensive snaps (58). Love accumulated four tackles and two pass breakups in a stellar defensive performance. He played a keynote role in a Seahawks secondary that scored a pick-six return touchdown via safety Coby Bryant. Seattle held the Cardinals to 249 net passing yards and zero touchdowns.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Sunday. The defense forced the Rams offensive into seven three-and-outs and limited them to 366 total yards of offense. Pro Football Focus had the following three Seahawks defenders as their highest-graded talents on that side of the ball versus the Rams.

Ernest Jones IV | 83.4

Ernest Jones IV was PFF’s fifth-highest graded linebacker in Week 9. He scored even better as a run defender, earning a third-highest 85.7. Jones IV recorded five pressures, three stops, and two pressures. The sideline-to-sideline linebacker has been an excellent addition to the defense following his acquisition in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.

Boye Mafe | 73.4

Boye Mafe has been a steady performer all campaign long. The 2022 second-round selection accumulated two quarterback pressures and two tackles versus the Rams. Mafe was also a force multiplier as a run defender, scoring a steady 73.4 in the run defense department.

Devon Witherspoon | 73.3

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon was credited with allowing five receptions on eight targets for 52 receiving yards against Matthew Stafford. His overall defensive grade of 73.3 was his third-best individually graded game of the season. Witherspoon has yet to allow a touchdown catch this year. He’s allowing just 8.7 yards per catch in 2024.

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Rams GM Les Snead says there were ‘many variables’ in Ernest Jones trade but won’t reveal them

Les Snead discussed the Rams’ shocking Ernest Jones trade and while there were “many variables” involved, he won’t say what they were

The Rams shockingly traded Ernest Jones to the Titans at the end of August, shipping one of their best defensive players out of town just before the start of the season. Immediately after the trade, Sean McVay commented on the decision and he got a bit defensive in saying the Rams felt it was “best for the football team.”

It wasn’t until Tuesday that general manager Les Snead weighed in on the move, sharing his view of it after the trade deadline had passed.

He told reporters that there were “many variables” at play in the trade, but he wouldn’t reveal what those were – for obvious reasons, being a current GM and with Jones now being in Seattle. He did acknowledge that he believes Jones will play well for a long time, potentially even against the Rams twice a year as a member of the Seahawks.

“Being [an] active [GM] right now and Ernest being in the league, there were many variables that went into that. I don’t think it’s good for anyone to sit here and really make that public. It’s always, in our case, what we do – we try to think it’s definitely going to help the Rams in some form or fashion. Again, there are many variables in that but it’s obvious – and we saw him last week – Ernest can play football. He’s going to continue playing football and at this point, we’re going to play him again this year. Depending on what happens with him in the future, we might play him twice a year for a lot of years and expect that with him. That’s just the kind of person he is and obviously the talents that he has.”

In his most recent comments, McVay expressed at least a little bit of seller’s remorse over the trade. The Rams have struggled to replace Jones in the middle of their defense, and even though Chris Shula’s unit is playing well, there was a clear drop-off from Jones to Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom.

“I think all the decisions that we make in the moment we feel like are in the best interest. I’m not going to pretend and act like every decision is accurate,” McVay said last week.

Since being traded by the Rams, Jones was traded by the Titans to the Seahawks. Tennessee actually got more in return for Jones than the Rams did, which is an indication of how poorly managed the deal was by Los Angeles.

It’s almost salt in the wound, especially now that Jones is back in the division and playing against the Rams twice a year.

We’ll probably never learn what exactly led to the decision – whether it was Jones’ knee injury, his contract or an expected drop in production – so that mystery will likely go unsolved for the public.

Rams DC Chris Shula admits ‘it’ll definitely be weird’ seeing Ernest Jones with Seahawks

Chris Shula shared a bit about what it’ll be like to see Ernest Jones in Seattle and his feelings on the former Rams linebacker

It’s been a roller coaster year for Ernest Jones. The Rams traded him to the Titans in August, a shocking move that netted Los Angeles almost nothing in return. Then less than two months later, the Titans traded him to the Seahawks.

He made his debut with Seattle last week, playing every snap and recording a team-high 15 tackles. On Sunday, he’ll face his former team, the Rams, for the first time.

Chris Shula coached Jones during his time in Los Angeles, building a relationship with the standout linebacker. It’ll be odd for Shula to see Jones in a Seahawks uniform this weekend, but he’s been thinking about Ernest as a person during this unpredictable season.

“It’s weird. It’ll definitely be weird,” Jones said. “I thought about it when I saw the trade last week. You love the person. We will be connected and friends for life. He knows I’m here no matter what, forever, as long as he needs me. I just thought about his wife. He just had his baby. I just thought about him as a human, having to move twice in the same year. You feel for him. You hope he’s doing well, and you hope he’s in a great place.”

Jones has landed in a good spot with Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks, a team that will utilize his skill set properly in the middle of the defense. That already showed last week against the Bills when Jones stuffed the stat sheet, and he’ll try to do the same on Sunday against his former team.

“I know they’ve got really great coaches over there,” Shula added. “It hasn’t been necessarily weird yet this week because it’s kind of one of those things – the offense is playing him, so I’m not exactly seeing him on tape or playing against him. When we go out there for pregame warmups or whatever it is and I see him on the field, that’s definitely going to be a little bit weird.”

Jones was an impact player for the Rams since being drafted in the third round in 2021, which is what made their decision to move on from him so surprising. As a pending free agent, he’ll have a chance to pick his next team in 2025, unless the Seahawks like what they see and extend him before he hits the market.