In the 2025 NFL season, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones has emerged as a pivotal player in the team’s defense, reminiscent of the former “Legion of Boom.” Since his acquisition, Jones has become a cornerstone of Seattle’s defense, filled with versatility and leadership.
Ernest Jones: Key Player for Seattle Seahawks
Drafted third round, 103rd overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft from South Carolina, Ernest Jones began his professional career with the Los Angeles Rams. He quickly proved his worth, contributing significantly during Super Bowl LVI, where he logged a sack and four tackles.
Career Moves
Despite an impressive start, Jones’s path was not straightforward. In 2024, he was traded from the Rams to the Tennessee Titans. After playing six games with Tennessee, he was traded again on October 23, 2024, to the Seahawks in exchange for linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Impactful Statistics in Seattle
During his first season with Seattle in 2024, Jones played 667 snaps. His performance included:
- 1 sack
- 9 pressures
- 61 solo tackles
- 29 stops
- 1 forced fumble
In coverage, he allowed:
- 31 catches on 39 targets
- 296 receiving yards
- 171 yards after the catch
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
- 1 pass breakup
- Opponent passer rating of 96.2
His performance earned him a three-year contract worth $28.5 million, with $15 million guaranteed, a testament to his value.
2025 Season Performance
In the current season, Jones has maintained his strong performance through the first seven games, recording:
- 1 sack
- 5 pressures
- 41 solo tackles
- 18 stops
He also allowed:
- 25 catches on 34 targets
- 310 passing yards
- 15 yards after the catch
- 1 touchdown
- 3 interceptions
- 1 pass breakup
- Opponent passer rating of 73.3
Leadership on the Field
Jones’s ability to read the game and rally his teammates has drawn praise. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams emphasized Jones’s importance, asserting he is the “quarterback of the defense” who leads with energy and communication.
Future Prospects
Seattle’s decision to let go of Bobby Wagner has often been criticized. However, the emergence of Ernest Jones gives the franchise hope for a new era in defense. With his improving skills and leadership, Jones is set to influence the Seahawks’ success for years to come.
