On Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant move by acquiring inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans. The trade involved sending linebacker Jerome Baker to Tennessee along with a fourth-round draft pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. This exchange addresses a critical need for the Seahawks, who are looking to strengthen their defense. The trade is contingent upon both players passing physical examinations, as is customary for NFL transactions.
Ernest Jones, who is 24 years old, has already been traded twice in 2024, having been acquired by the Titans from the Los Angeles Rams in August. During his first three seasons in the NFL, he contributed to the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory as a rookie and has made a solid impact in Tennessee, recording 44 tackles this season. With the Titans struggling at 1-5, this trade reflects their broader strategy of rebuilding. Jones is expected to slot into a starting role for the Seahawks, reinforcing their defense as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has indicated that Jones will play inside linebacker, while Tyrel Dodson, who previously held that position, will move to the weakside linebacker spot vacated by Baker. This adjustment not only highlights Jones’s anticipated contributions but also ensures continuity in Seattle’s defensive communication, as Dodson is likely to remain the defensive signal-caller. Jones’s familiarity with Macdonald’s defensive schemes, stemming from his time with the Titans, is seen as an advantage for his quick integration into the Seahawks’ system.
In addition to Jones, the Seahawks have claimed linebacker Josh Ross off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, further deepening their linebacker corps. Ross, who went undrafted in 2022, brings experience in the defensive scheme implemented by Macdonald, which should facilitate a smoother transition for him. To make room for these roster changes, the Seahawks placed right tackle Stone Forsythe on injured reserve due to a hand injury, forcing him to miss a minimum of four games.
Amid these roster adjustments, the Seahawks are also monitoring the health of several players, including cornerback Riq Woolen, who returned to practice after an ankle sprain, and wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is recovering from a Grade 1 MCL sprain. Running back Kenneth Walker III and cornerback Tre Brown were absent from practice due to illness and ankle issues, respectively. The Seahawks are hopeful for the return of right tackles Abe Lucas and George Fant, who are both on the road to recovery from their injuries, with Lucas needing more time before he can resume play.
