Bump: The Seahawks move that needs to happen ASAP

After last month’s season finale, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV expressed confidence that he and the franchise would reach an agreement on a new contract this offseason.

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But with free agency now just two weeks away, Jones still doesn’t have a new deal.

Former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus wants to see that taken care of as soon as possible.

“Why are we still waiting on this?” Bumpus said during Monday’s Four Down Territory segment on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy. “What’s taking so long? … Sign this man ASAP.”

Jones, an October 2024 trade acquisition who played a major role in the Seahawks’ dramatic midseason defensive turnaround, is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 12.

After Seattle’s season-ending win over the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 5, The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar reported that Jones said, “We’re going to get it done. I’m gonna be a Seahawk. I firmly believe that.”

One day later, Jones reiterated that sentiment on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob.

“Yes, I’m feeling pretty confident here,” Jones said. “I think both sides want to get something done. We just got to come to a mutual agreement and whatever that those numbers or whatever those situations or whatever that may be, that’s what that’s going to be. But I think both sides are working toward that, and I think it will (happen).”

But seven weeks after those comments, a new deal has yet to be reported.

NFL.com ranks Jones as the 27th-best potential free agent, including the fourth-best linebacker.

“He should be priority No. 1 for this organization here,” Bumpus said. “Why is this taking so long? I need to see him there. … Let’s get the money right. Get that man paid.”

Seahawks general manager John Schneider is at least optimistic that Jones will be back with Seattle next season, as Gregg Bell of The News Tribune reported from the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Signs here at NFL combine continue to be #Seahawks will get LB Ernest Jones re-signed to a rich, new deal soon.

GM John Schneider just said here in Indianapolis: “We’ve had positive talks with his group ever since we traded for him. And we’ll continue that this week.”

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) February 25, 2025

Jones’ invaluable impact

After arriving in the Oct. 23 trade with Tennessee, the 25-year-old Jones took over as the Seahawks’ defensive signal caller and immediately helped stabilize their struggling defense.

Through the first eight weeks of the season, Seattle ranked 19th in points allowed per game (24.4) and 29th in rushing yards allowed per game (148.4). But the unit hit its stride shortly after Jones entered the fold, ranking fifth in points allowed per game (19.2) and seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (96.2) over the final 10 weeks.

From Week 9 through Week 18, Jones ranked 18th out of 85 linebackers in Pro Football Focus‘ run defense grading and tied for 19th among linebackers with 25 run stops.

When safety Julian Love was asked in November the biggest reason for Seattle’s massive improvement on run defense back, he immediately pointed to Jones.

“I think No. 13 is what’s working,” Love said, referring to Jones’ jersey number. “That dude’s a stud. We all really appreciate having him and he’s just such a good leader. He’s very steady, he communicates clearly, and above all he’s a dog. He has a see-ball, get-ball mentality. When you have that, guys are playing off him.”

At one point later in the season, Macdonald called Jones a “force multiplier” for the way he elevates those around him. Macdonald also reiterated his praise for Jones in the week leading up to the season finale.

“We love him,” Macdonald said. “He’s a great player and there’s a poise to how he operates, which I respect. I think the guy loves football. Those are the guys that do really well here. He would do great in a lot of organizations, probably every organization, but I think he’s a great fit here. We love him, and I think he loves it here too. It’s been great so far.”

A recent social media post

Last Friday, Jones posted a statement on social media in an attempt to dispel an apparent accusation that he’s a “locker room cancer.”

It’s unclear where the accusation came from. Jones played his first three NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, was traded to the Titans last August and then dealt again shortly after to Seattle in October.

“I’ve never been one to voice my frustrations publicly, but there’s something that’s been weighing on me for far too long,” Jones wrote on social media. “I’ve always prided myself on being a good teammate, and not a single person who’s ever shared a locker room with me can say I’ve disrespected them – coaches included. I wear the name ‘Jones’ with honor, because I was raised by an incredible woman who taught me that respect and being a good person are the foundations of life.

“If you think I’m not good enough, that’s your right. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and that’s what makes this country great. But when people label me as a ‘locker room cancer,’ it strikes at the very core of who I am – my character, my upbringing, and the values I stand by. God bless.”

Veteran Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett responded to Jones’ post with a strong endorsement of the linebacker.

“Ernest has been a great teammate!” Lockett wrote on social media last Friday. “Definitely someone that I would want on my team! He does things the right way! He’s a hard worker! And he makes game changing plays! He’s definitely a player that is needed in a locker room!”

Bumpus also defended Jones on Monday.

“Y’all stop talking about Ernest,” Bumpus said. “I don’t think he’s a locker room cancer. He tweeted something out alluding that someone said he’s a locker room cancer. I don’t believe that one bit.”

Listen to the full Four Down Territory segment at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Tune in to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.

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