Seahawks Re-Sign LB Ernest Jones to 3-year, $33 million extension: STEAL

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It’s official.

Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ernest Jones has found a home, now on his third team in a calendar year. The Seahawks have re-signed Jones to a 3-year extension worth $33 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.

After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Tennessee Titans last summer, Jones was traded again in October to the Seahawks. This move came after first-year head coach Mike Macdonald sought changes within his linebacker group. Jones quickly flourished in Macdonald’s defense, making his return a high priority for general manager John Schneider this offseason.

A 2021 NFL Draft third-round selection by the Rams, Jones was a star in Super Bowl LVI, racking up seven tackles, a sack, three QB hits, and two tackles for loss in their win over the Bengals. After back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons, it was a bit of a head-scratcher when the Rams traded him. Then, after a quick pit stop in Tennessee, he was on the move again. Clearly, they weren’t planning on keeping him long-term.

In 10 games for the Seahawks, Jones posted 94 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups. As a Seahawks fan, though, the numbers don’t fully capture his impact. It was a clear fit for both the player and the team, and Seattle fans got to see first-hand the significant difference Jones made to the defense.

Before Jones showed up, the run defense was… well, let’s just say it was having a rough time. Linebackers Tyrell Dodson and Jerome Baker, both signed in the previous offseason, were gone by mid-season. Macdonald put his faith in Jones and rookie fourth-rounder Tyrice Knight, who stepped up big time.

Now, let’s talk about that contract. In my humble opinion? It’s a steal. Compare it to Zach Baun’s deal with the Eagles. Sure, Baun’s season was technically a bit better, but they’re in the same ballpark. Baun snagged a 3-year, $51 million deal in Philly—almost $20 million more than what Seattle paid for Jones.

At just 25, with four seasons under his belt, Jones was already No. 25 on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 free agents list. But he’s staying put in Seattle, ready to keep those tackle numbers climbing for years to come