Tag: seahawks trade

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will immediately step into Seattle’s starting lineup opposite Tyrel Dodson. He brings aggression and violence to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have largely been displeased with the outputs of their run defense this season. Entering Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle is allowing a 28th-ranked 146.1 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald has routinely criticized the linebackers for missing tackles and playing with poor gap discipline.

Jones could help solve Seattle’s issues. The former South Carolina standout ranked second on the Titans in tackles (44) at the time of his departure. That will also rank second on the Seahawks, with Dodson and Julian Love (55) tied for the team-lead mark.

Jones is a downhill linebacker with outstanding read-and-react ability. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a stellar grade of 68.4 as a run defender this season. That’s notably higher than what Baker (62.6) and Dodson (54.0) have earned this season.

Jones has also been credited with 19 total stops. Jones has missed three tackles, which equals Dodson’s missed-tackle total to date, but is notably lower than Baker’s (6). That alone could help improve Seattle’s run defense.

If there’s one area of Jones’ game that requires improving, it’s coverage. He’s been credited with allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets this season for 151 yards and a passer rating allowed of 111.6, en route to a coverage score of 54.0. The Seahawks will likely continue using Dodson as their main coverage ‘backer, as he’s performed significantly better in man and zone situations, allowing 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards, and a passer rating of 89.8.

Jones is an excellent linebacker. The Seahawks were awfully familiar with him from his Los Angeles Rams & NFC West days. Jones is a big-time upgrade for Macdonald’s defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

The Seattle Seahawks upgraded their defensive corps on Wednesday by trading Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Jones should immediately help improve Mike Macdonald’s defense. Coach Macdonald already spoke about the player, even offering details on where he fits in the starting lineup.

“He loves football, he’s tough as nails, and we’re excited to get him here,” Macdonald said about Jones. “We’re working through that [his position] right now, but we’ll probably put Ernest at MIKE [linebacker] and have Tito [Tyrel Dodson] at weak-side linebacker right now,” Macdonald said when asked if Jones would step into Baker’s weak-side role.

It’s notable because Dodson had been playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle’s defense this season. Instead of having Jones fill Baker’s previous weak-side role like-for-like, the Seahawks plan to have Jones swap roles with Dodson.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have been dissatisfied with the state of their defense, particularly in the run game. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider has made aggressive moves in recent weeks to acquire Jones and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris. Having Jones and Dodson swap positions is another tweak to Macdonald’s in-progress defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Financial details of Seahawks trade for DL Roy Robertson-Harris

Financial details of Seahawks trade for DL Roy Robertson-Harris

The Seattle Seahawks acquired veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. Veteran general manager John Schneider parted with a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft in order to secure Robertson-Harris’ services. The financial fallout of the trade has since been reported by Spotrac.

The Seahawks are simply inheriting $1.4 million in salary for the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Robertson-Harris previously signed a three-year contract extension worth $30 million with the Jaguars, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. That means Schneider is tentatively taking on $6.6 and $6.8 million in scheduled salary in 2025 and 2026, but there’s a catch.

 

Robertson-Harris does not possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract beyond this current season. That means Schneider could sever ties with Robertson-Harris in the upcoming offseason without fretting about sizable financial penalties. The veteran defensive lineman could simply be a one-year rental with the Seahawks currently in postseason contention.

The Jaguars are absorbing sizable financial penalties in 2024 ($3.4 million) and 2025 ($6.9 million) via dead cap charges. Through six games, Robertson-Harris has recorded two sacks and four quarterback hits. Acquiring Robertson-Harris in exchange for a Day Three selection two drafts away was a straightforward decision given the lack of overwhelming financial responsibility.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

3 RGs Seahawks should consider trading for before NFL trade deadline

3 RGs Seahawks should consider trading for before NFL trade deadline

The right guard position has been a constant thorn in the Seattle Seahawks’ backside. Regular starter Anthony Bradford has routinely struggled, posting a pass-blocking grade of 46.9, according to Pro Football Focus. Bradford has also been whistled for a league-high seven penalties this season.

Bradford’s struggles led the Seahawks to rotate rookie guard Christian Haynes into the lineup during the Week 4 contest versus the Detroit Lions. Bradford handled 54 snaps while Haynes, who performed better, earned 36 snaps. The Seahawks may employ a similar strategy against the New York Giants in Week 5.

The NFL trade deadline is approximately one month away (November 4). The 3-1 Seahawks are legitimate contenders. General manager John Schneider should consider acquiring a right guard via trade. We’ve identified three potential options.

Daniel Brunskill, Tennessee Titans

Daniel Brunskill started at right guard for the Tennessee Titans last season. He put forth better results than what Bradford and Haynes are providing, being whistled for just one penalty all year long. Brunskill was credited with allowing just two sacks via 768 total snaps by Pro Football Focus, earning a stellar pass-blocking grade of 67.7.

Tennessee’s new coaching staff decided to bench Brunskill this campaign, inserting a bigger-bodied player (Dillon Radunz) into his spot in the starting lineup. Brunskill is slightly undersized, but he put together a solid season at right guard in 2023. He’s in a contract year and could be available for very cheap as the Titans are a rebuilding 1-3.

Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns

The struggling 1-3 Cleveland Browns recently placed veteran right guard Wyatt Teller on IR, but he’s eligible to be activated roughly one week prior to the trade deadline (October 27). Rookie guard Zak Zinter is starting in Teller’s place. The rebuilding Browns should consider giving the much younger Zinter an extended look.

Teller remains under contract through 2025, carrying manageable cap charges of $11.6 million and $14.4 million this campaign and next, according to OverTheCap. Teller’s contract is complicated, because it also contains a void year (2026). The proven veteran could land on the trading block if the Browns continue falling behind in the postseason race.

Cody Whitehair, Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to trade superstar wide receiver Davante Adams. This could incite general manager Tom Telesco to hold a fire sale at the trade deadline. The Raiders must stack as much draft capital as possible heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Whitehair has started for the Raiders this season, but they also possess a young duo at guard on the roster in Jackson Powers-Johnson and Dylan Parham. Powers-Johnson should soon permanently replace Whitehair at guard. The 2016 draftee would add experience to the Seahawks’ offensive line.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. General manager John Schneider is shipping a late-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for Gipson’s services. He arrives after Uchenna Nwosu suffered an injury in Saturday’s preseason finale.

Nwosu suffered a knee injury in the preseason Week 3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Nwosu was the victim of a nasty chop-block penalty by Browns guard Wyatt Teller. The severity is currently unknown, but acquiring a pass rusher through trade indicates he’s potentially headed for a multi-week stint on the sidelines.

Gipson initially entered the league as a fifth-round selection of the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. He exploded as a sophomore in 2021 by recording seven sacks, but regressed in 2022 after the Bears underwent a schematic change defensively. He was traded to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2023 season, where he played in a deep reserve role.

Gipson signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars earlier this March. With roster cuts looming around the league on Monday and Tuesday, this trade indicates he wasn’t going to make Jacksonville’s 53 man roster. The Seahawks have a newly-minted need at the position following Nwosu’s injury, which arrived mere days after they traded EDGE Darrell Taylor to the Bears.

Acquiring Gipson also indicates the Seahawks don’t possess much faith in their in-house options to replace Nwosu in the rotation. This trade spells bad news for Jamie Sheriff and Nelson Ceaser. Gipson will be on Seattle’s initial 53-man roster, and he’ll join Boye Mafe, Dre’Mont Jones, and Derick Hall in the early-season rotation while Nwosu heals up.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

The Seattle Seahawks turned a position of weakness into a strength on Thursday when they acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the Carolina Panthers. General manager John Schneider sent cornerback Mike Jackson the other way. Jackson’s departure from a deep corner room will offer more opportunity for young rookies like D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett.

Jackson, a 2019 fifth-rounder, lost his place this offseason in a deep defensive backfield. Jackson started opposite Riq Woolen during the 2022 season. He was a league-average cornerback, allowing a respectable 62% completion percentage on targets thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jackson was replaced in the starting lineup prior to the 2023 season by Tre Brown. Brown ran with his opportunity, and more changes came to the defense this offseason when head coach Mike Macdonald replaced Pete Carroll. Macdonald brought his brilliant defensive system with him, and Schneider drafted James and Pritchett to better appease the scheme.

Jackson has settled in as a depth cornerback. The Seahawks understandably rather utilize those depth spots on developmental rookies with more long-term upside. They also undrafted free agent Carlton Johnson on the roster. Johnson has impressed in spurts and is attempting to make the 53 man roster. His chances improved following Jackson’s trade.

Pritchett has spent the preseason playing almost exclusively on the boundary. James has been slightly more versatile, splitting reps outside and inside. Jackson’s departure all but guarantees that both Pritchett and James will appear on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster next week.

The Seahawks needed better linebacker depth given that projected starter Jerome Baker has been sidelined with injury for multiple weeks. With Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell offering little-to-no long-term upside, the arrival of Barrett offers the Seahawks a potential future solution. Having Barrett and Tyrice Knight as rookies in the linebacker room will be beneficial.

Trading Jackson in exchange for better linebacker depth was a worthwhile move.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Analyzing how new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

How new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

The Seattle Seahawks executed a trade on Thursday afternoon as they continue preparing for roster cut downs, a process that will see general manager John Schneider finalize the initial 53 man roster next week. Seattle traded cornerback Mike Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Barrett will provide the defense with depth and developmental potential.

The Seahawks have been somewhat thin at off-ball linebacker throughout camp and the preseason. Projected starter Jerome Baker has been nursing a multi-week injury. The Seahawks also lost Jon Rhattigan to a brief setback before their second exhibition game, prompting them to sign rookie UDFA Easton Gibbs to help them get through the game.

Given the injuries at the position, it makes sense the Seahawks would sacrifice a cornerback, a position of depth on the defense. Mike Jackson became expendable after Schneider drafted two former Auburn cornerbacks, Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James, in April.

It’s surprising that the Panthers are willing to call quits on a rookie seventh-rounder, but they needed to part ways with something of value to improve their cornerback depth. Barrett was Carolina’s 240th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps the Seahawks would have signed him in undrafted free agency had he reached that market. Schneider’s final selection came 33 picks earlier, when he drafted Findlay offensive tackle Michael Jerrell.

There are obviously some intriguing connections between Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Barrett. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past season, won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett will provide the Seahawks with necessary depth and developmental potential. He’ll likely spend the majority of his rookie season playing on special teams, where he has an existing relationship and comfort level with coach Jay Harbaugh. Acquiring Barrett was a shrewd move by Schneider.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks trade down from No. 145 spot with Chiefs, add another pick

We finally have our first trade of the 2022 NFL draft involving the Seahawks.

We finally have our first trade of the 2022 NFL draft involving the Seahawks.

According to Field Yates, Seattle is moving down from the No. 145 overall pick near the top of the fifth round. The Chiefs will be getting that selection and in turn will be giving up the Nos. 158 and 233 overall picks.

The Seahawks still have a couple more immediate positions to address, including WR3. They also could use more long-term depth at center, tight end and linebacker. Picking up that extra selection should help.

Seattle is now in line to make nine picks overall in the draft. Four remain: No. 153, No. 158, No. 229 and No. 233.

[lawrence-related id=88803]

[listicle id=88756]

How the Carlos Dunlap trade could save the Seahawks’ season

The Seattle Seahawks traded for Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Carlos Dunlap on Wednesday. Here’s how it could save their season.

When the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII at the end of the 2013 season, beating the daylights out of a Broncos offense that had been the highest-scoring in NFL history, two preseason moves set that all-time defense up for radical success: Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider signed former Lions defensive end Cliff Avril and ex-Buccaneers defensive end Michael Bennett. While the Legion of Boom secondary was the talk of the NFL, none of that would happened without Avril and Bennett, and the Carroll/Schneider combo realizing that you can never have too many elite pass-rushers on your roster.

Fast-forward to 2020, and this Seahawks team is very different. They’re coming off their first loss of the season, a 37-34 overtime debacle against the Cardinals in which Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray took 52 dropbacks and was pressured just 11 times — no sacks, no quarterback hits, and a handful of hurries. This was in part because Seattle was mush-rushing to keep Murray from killing them with his running ability, but still — it points to a pass-rush problem that Seattle has been dealing with all season, and if Carroll and Schneider didn’t fix it, this could be the albatross that ruins what has been an MVP season from quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ newly-open passing game.

Carroll and Schneider have always been action/impulse buyers, so it should come as no surprise that on Wednesday morning, it was announced that they’d pulled the trigger on a trade for Carlos Dunlap, the disgruntled Bengals edge defender who had been looking for a way out of Cincinnati for a while.

Why was Dunlap unhappy? He had seen his playing time drop precipitously over the last few weeks, and against the Browns in Week 7, he was on the field for just 12 snaps. But when he’s on the defensive line, he’s still an effective player — perhaps not a world-tilter, but certainly a massive upgrade over what the Seahawks have had on the edge this season.

Let’s go to the tape, and find out what Dunlap has to offer in his 11th NFL season.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2