The Seahawks shook things up in a big way by trading for Tennessee Titans linebacker Ernest Jones, sending Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick the other way. With the trade deadline approaching, Seattle decided it was time to address one of their biggest weaknesses—stopping the run.
And who better to help fix that than Jones, a young, hard-hitting linebacker fresh off a career year? But why make this move now, and what does it mean for Baker?
Let’s get into the reasons behind Seattle’s decision to pull the trigger on this deal and what it means for the team moving forward.
A Struggling Run Defense Needed Help
Seattle’s run defense has been a glaring problem this season. They’ve allowed over 1,000 rushing yards through seven games, ranking near the bottom of the league in this category. The Seahawks are giving up 5.0 yards per carry, which is the fifth-highest mark in the NFL. Clearly, they needed reinforcements, and Ernest Jones seems to be the perfect fit to plug those holes.
Jones is coming off a standout 2023 season with the Rams, where he posted 145 tackles, leading the team. His ability to stop the run and make plays in the backfield was on full display with his 14 tackles for loss, second only to Aaron Donald on the Rams and seventh-best among off-ball linebackers league-wide. Adding him to the roster gives the Seahawks a proven player who can immediately help shore up their weak run defense.
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Why Ernest Jones? Familiarity With The Scheme
Ernest Jones brings talent and familiarity with Seattle’s defensive system. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has been running a similar scheme to what the Seahawks use under head coach Mike Macdonald, thanks to their shared time in Baltimore. This gives Jones a leg up in learning the playbook quickly, which is crucial since Seattle needs him to start immediately.
Jones had a solid start to the 2023 season with Tennessee, recording 44 tackles through six games, the second-most on the team. His knowledge of the scheme should allow him to hit the ground running in Week 8, making him a valuable addition alongside Tyrel Dodson in Seattle’s linebacker corps.
The Jerome Baker Experiment Didn’t Pan Out
Seattle had high hopes for Jerome Baker when they signed him to a one-year, $7 million contract in free agency. The idea was to replace Jordyn Brooks, who left for Miami, with Baker and free-agent signee Tyrel Dodson, hoping it would be a cheaper upgrade at linebacker. However, that plan didn’t go as expected.
Baker missed a chunk of the season with a hamstring injury and struggled upon his return. While he had flashes of productivity—33 tackles, two passes defended, and a forced fumble—his inconsistencies in coverage and against the run became evident. Baker had trouble defending the middle of the field and was often out of position, contributing to Seattle’s defensive woes. Trading him to Tennessee is Seattle admitting that the experiment didn’t work out, and they needed to make a change.
Titans Become Sellers At The Deadline
Tennessee has been active ahead of the trade deadline, and moving Ernest Jones was part of their broader strategy to rebuild. They acquired him in August from the Rams in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick, but with the team struggling to stay competitive, they’ve decided to cash in on assets. Along with sending Jones to Seattle, the Titans also traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round pick.
For Tennessee, the trade netted them a 2025 fourth-round pick and Baker, who will now get a fresh start with a Titans defense that has been one of the better units against the run. While Baker hasn’t lived up to expectations in Seattle, Tennessee might see something in him that allows him to thrive in their system.
Also Read: Who Are The Top NFL Trade Targets For Each Position?
Ernest Jones’ Impact On The Seahawks
Bringing in Ernest Jones is designed to fix Seattle’s defensive issues immediately. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and make tackles in the backfield makes him an ideal fit for the Seahawks, who are desperate to improve their performance against the run. If Jones can pick up the system quickly, he should start alongside Tyrel Dodson, giving Seattle a linebacker duo that could help turn things around defensively.
Seattle’s backup options at linebacker include rookies Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas, but they’re not yet ready for full-time starting roles. Jones’ arrival allows them to stay in rotational roles, where they can continue to develop without being thrust into a starting lineup too soon.
A Necessary Move For Seattle
The Seahawks trade for Ernest Jones shows their move to fix their weakness. Unfortunately, Jerome Baker didn’t deliver as they hoped, but Jones brings proven production and familiarity with their defensive scheme. With Seattle’s run defense struggling and the team still in playoff contention, this trade could be the key to stabilizing the defense for the second half of the season.
Tennessee continues to look toward the future, acquiring picks and players that might help them rebuild into a competitive team once again. Only time will tell if Seattle made the right move, but one thing is clear: they couldn’t afford to wait any longer to make a change.
