Seahawks $29 Million Starter Reveals Heartbreaking Loss

The Seattle Seahawks pulled the trigger on several major moves ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

In addition to trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, they signed a new starting quarterback in Sam Darnold. The Seahawks traded superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and released longtime veteran Tyler Lockett, who went on to sign with the Tennessee Titans.

Hours before Metcalf’s blockbuster trade was announced in March, Seattle re-signed linebacker Ernest Jones IV to a three-year, $28.5 million contract.

At the time, this made Jones, who landed in Seattle via a trade from Tennessee during the 2024 season, the 13th-highest-paid linebacker in the league based on annual average salary.

GettySeahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV at Lumen Field on November 24, 2024.

 

After winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, the 2021 third-rounder was traded to the Titans ahead of the 2024 season. In six games with Tennessee, he registered 44 total tackles and 2.0 passes deflected. During his 10 starts in Seattle, the South Carolina alum added 94 total tackles, 2.0 passes deflected, 1.0 interception, and .5 sack.

After the Seahawks failed to make the playoffs, Jones underwent offseason knee surgery. Seahawks’ general manager insisted it was a minor procedure. “He just had a little cleanup after the season,” Schneider told Seattle Sports in March. “Not much of a big deal… He’s working with (our training staff). He’s here getting ready.”

After Ernest Jones Missed Time at Training Camp Due To A ‘Personal Matter,’ The Seahawks Star Revealed His Dad Died

While Jones moved past his knee injury before training camp started, he missed several days due to a “personal matter,” ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported. No further details were disclosed.

The starting middle linebacker returned to practice on Friday, August 1. The following day, the 25-year-old revealed his father had died. He posted on X, “What’s up, Pops. Man, I miss you more than words can say—and I know that won’t ever change.

“You gave it everything you had, but God was ready to bring his guy home. Give me some time, man… I’m hurting. Get your rest, my guy. 🖤.”

Well wishes poured in for the Seahawks veteran. One person wrote, “Condolences to you and your family ❤️🙏.” One fan commented, “sorry for your loss E. Seahawks family is with you through these troubling times.” Another fan added, “We love you @ernestjones53 Rest in peace to your pops. All the 12’s have your back and are here for you 🙏🏼.”

Ernest Jones Said Re-Signing With The Seahawks ‘Meant Everything To Me’

After two trades in one season, which Jones called “so stressful,” re-signing with the Seahawks “meant everything to me,” he said, per the Seattle Times in June. Jones has a son, Quinton, 1, with his wife, Tyra.

“One, (it’s) an opportunity to continue playing football. I think for me, the opportunity that it’s done for my family, being able to do certain stuff for my mom, my wife, my son, making sure they’re good. That was big for me. I owe this organization a lot and I’m excited and looking forward to doing that.”

“I’ll tell you this, maybe around April, me and my wife finally, like, we were laying down and we looked at each other and we’re like, ‘Dang, I finally feel clear headed.’ With everything that was going on, we couldn’t focus on our situation, we just had to attack what was next. Having this time off to really truly think about and ponder on what happened, it’s a blessing to be where I am now.”