Ernest Jones Iv

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		78	584	6.5	9
2025		15	126	0.5	5
2024		16	138	0.5	1
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Seahawks absolutely stole Ernest Jones IV from the trade market, landing an above-average starting linebacker on what amounts to a bargain-bin contract that earns an A+ CVI grade. At just $0.8M per year, Seattle is paying replacement-level money for a player who has consistently performed as a legitimate NFL starter, creating massive value surplus that most teams can only dream of. The $10M in guaranteed money suggests this is likely a multi-year extension rather than a one-year prove-it deal, giving the Seahawks cost certainty on a key defensive piece while Jones is still in his prime years. This contract structure carries virtually zero downside risk — even if Jones regresses to merely average production, he'd still be worth double this salary in today's linebacker market. Seattle just locked up their middle linebacker of the future at a fraction of market value, freeing up precious cap space to address other roster needs while securing a defensive anchor who can elevate their entire unit.

Performance Analysis

Ernest Jones IV has established himself as one of the NFL's most reliable run-stopping linebackers since entering the league five seasons ago, earning a solid B+ grade for his current campaign with the Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old veteran has developed into a three-down player whose instinctive play recognition and gap discipline anchor Seattle's defensive front seven. After bouncing between Los Angeles and Tennessee earlier in his career, Jones has found a natural fit in Seattle's aggressive defensive scheme, where his physicality and football IQ shine through consistently. His 78 career games of experience show in his steady presence and leadership qualities that extend beyond the stat sheet. Jones excels as a tackle accumulator, posting an elite 8.40 tackles per game that more than doubles the NFL average of 3.80 and puts him among the league's most productive defenders. His 0.53 tackles for loss per game sits comfortably above the 0.40 league average, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing rushing attacks in the backfield. Perhaps most impressively, his 0.47 pass deflections per game reaches elite territory compared to the 0.20 NFL average, showcasing improved coverage skills that have expanded his role in passing situations. The one notable weakness remains his pass rush production, with just 0.03 sacks per game falling well short of the 0.23 league average, limiting his impact as a pure pass rusher. Jones appears to have found his long-term home in Seattle after some early-career instability, with his performance stabilizing around the B-range following an excellent A-grade 2023 campaign. His trajectory suggests a player entering his prime years with the foundation to remain a quality starter for several more seasons. The key for Jones moving forward will be maintaining his elite tackle production while continuing to develop as a coverage linebacker in an increasingly pass-heavy league.

Current Sentiment

Ernest Jones IV is riding an absolute wave of positive sentiment following Seattle's Super Bowl LX championship run, earning a stellar A grade for his public perception. The linebacker has become a media darling for his dual impact as both a defensive playmaker and locker room leader, with his team captaincy being highlighted across major outlets. His defensive production, particularly his clutch interceptions during the 2025 championship season, has been showcased extensively in highlight packages that demonstrate his elite-level impact on winning. Jones has earned widespread praise for his leadership qualities, especially his public defense of teammates like Sam Darnold during challenging moments, solidifying his reputation as a unifying presence in Seattle's locker room. While brief trade speculation created temporary uncertainty, the linebacker has firmly re-established himself as a cornerstone of the Seahawks' future plans. This combination of championship success, franchise-caliber defensive production, and authentic leadership has positioned Jones among the most positively perceived players in the organization heading into 2026.