Shortly after re-signing with the Seahawks, linebacker Ernest Jones IV was finally able to relax, clear his mind, and focus on what many believe is a promising future ahead.
A year earlier, Jones and his wife were expecting their son and preparing for what he assumed would be his fourth season with the Rams. But shortly after their son, Ernest Jones V, was born, their growing family had to make a sudden cross-country move when he was unexpectedly traded to the Titans. That wasn’t the end of the upheaval—midway through a tough season in Tennessee, Jones was traded once more, this time landing in Seattle.
Another move, more disruption, and added pressure for a young family.
However, it didn’t take long for Jones to feel settled in with the Seahawks. Both he and the defense began to hit their stride in the latter half of the season, and by March, any remaining uncertainty disappeared when he inked a multi-year deal with Seattle just before free agency opened.
“It was a lot,” Jones said Thursday following the Seahawks’ final OTA session. “Honestly, around April, my wife and I were lying in bed and just looked at each other and said, ‘Wow, I finally feel at peace.’ We were just reacting to everything that was happening. We didn’t have time to process it. Now that we’ve had time to reflect, we’re grateful to be where we are. But like I’ve said, my focus is on the present—on being the best linebacker I can be for this team.”
After a year full of transitions and stress, Jones is embracing the chance to participate in voluntary offseason activities, joining a group of established veterans who are also showing up for the workouts. While not every player is present for every session, nearly everyone—including those recovering from injuries—has made an appearance during the offseason program.
“We’re all in,” Jones said, glancing at the massive banner honoring the Seahawks’ 2013 Super Bowl team. “The goal is to hang another one of those. Everyone believes in the mission, and we’re showing up and putting in the work to make it happen.”
If the Seahawks hope to meet their high expectations in 2025, their defense will likely be a driving force. While success in the NFL requires all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—Seattle’s resurgence late last season, particularly on defense, is a big reason for optimism.
One of the most impactful moves was trading for Jones, and along with changes to the personnel and tweaks to defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme, the team saw major improvement. Macdonald’s system isn’t simple, and there were growing pains in Year 1. But by the final eight games, the Seahawks defense had become one of the best in the league, helping the team finish 6-2, end the season with 10 wins, and come close to a playoff berth.
With Jones and fellow defensive standout Jarran Reed re-signing before free agency, Seattle returns 10 of its 11 defensive starters, along with important depth players. They’ve also added key pieces like veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and second-round safety Nick Emmanwori.
Asked about the continuity and the potential of this defensive unit, Jones smiled.
“I think it’s going to be special,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away, because we still have to go out and earn it. But if things play out the way I believe they will—it’s going to be something remarkable.”