In a bold move to enhance their defense, the Seattle Seahawks have executed a trade to acquire linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, the Titans receive Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This trade, occurring amidst a flurry of activity on the NFL trade market, illustrates the Seahawks’ commitment to fortifying a position that has historically been a concern for the organization. The Titans, meanwhile, are reassessing their roster with multiple trades, including the impending departure of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ernest Jones, just 24 years old, is a player who brings experience and pedigree to the Seahawks. Originally drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Jones played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LVI victory. His productive tenure in Los Angeles was followed by a mid-season trade to Tennessee, where he quickly established himself within their defensive structure. The Seahawks, who currently sit at 4-3 and lead the NFC West, are clearly calculating that Joness’s ability to contribute can bolster their defense as they seek deeper playoff contention.
As he transitions to Seattle, Jones steps into a framework that has not been consistently dominant against the run, yielding over 146 rushing yards per game—ranking them among the league’s worst in this vital statistic. The Seahawks are banking on Jones to not only provide an immediate improvement in performance but also bring the leadership qualities demonstrated during his time in Tennessee, where he played alongside veteran Kenneth Murray Jr. and logged an impressive 91.2% of the defensive snaps.
Another interesting aspect of Jones’s situation is his rookie contract, culminating at the end of this season. Worth $3.116 million in base salary, it presents a dual opportunity for both him and the Seahawks. If Jones performs well, the team may look to negotiate an extension beyond the immediate season, albeit their historical trend has been to delay such moves for acquisitions. In light of Baker’s looming free agency, who himself has had a respectable but limited impact in his one season with Seattle, Jones might fill a crucial spot in the team’s long-term plans.
Jerome Baker’s exit is notable; he was brought in for a one-year stint and has posted decent numbers, with 37 tackles and a sack across five games. However, recurring injuries and performance inconsistencies have limited his impact, paving the way for this trade. In selecting Baker, the Dolphins had hoped to add flexibility to their defensive scheme, but this season’s missed games—and some ineffective displays—have shifted the Seahawks’ perception of his value.
The Titans’ acquisition of Baker indicates their own reevaluation. As they seek to stabilize a struggling roster, bringing in players such as Baker may afford them opportunities to reset and rebuild, especially with new talent potentially waiting to be activated from injured reserve.
The Titans, faced with the harsh reality of a 1-5 record, are clearly in transition. With their recent trades, they are reshaping their identity on defense as well as offense. In this realignment, rookie fourth-round selection Cedric Gray is poised as a potential emerging talent who could fill Jones’s shoes; his recovery from injury has him back in the mix as they look towards the future.
Moreover, the trades signify a shift in not just personnel, but also in strategic direction. By making room for younger talent, Tennessee is attempting to revitalize one of their franchise cornerstones—defense—as they look to recover from a sluggish start to the season.
For the Seattle Seahawks, acquiring Ernest Jones IV symbolizes not just a reshaping of their linebacker group, but also a broader commitment to strengthening their defensive identity. The move shows a willingness to invest in players who can contribute both now and in the future, reflecting strategic foresight as they navigate through a competitive NFL landscape. As for the Titans, the transition may prove to be a necessary catalyst for improvement in what has been a challenging campaign. The coming weeks will be telling, as both teams adjust to their new realities and the outcomes of today’s trades begin to unfold on the gridiron.