Why Continuity Could Spark Ernest Jones IV, Seahawks in 2025

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV is still waiting for head coach Mike Macdonald to pay up on a friendly bet they made back in April. The two placed the wager when the Seahawks hosted South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori for a pre-draft visit. Macdonald, knowing Jones also played at South Carolina, asked him to sit in on the meeting—hoping it would make Emmanwori feel more comfortable. The bet? Whether Emmanwori would recognize Jones.

“He did know who I was,” Jones said with a grin. “So I won that bet.”

No Need for Introductions on Defense

While the Seahawks offense went through major changes this offseason, the defense stayed mostly the same. The scheme, coaching staff, and most of the players are back, giving the team hope that continuity can lead to a top-tier unit in 2025. Last year, Seattle ranked ninth in points allowed during Macdonald’s first season in charge.

Defensive tackle Jarran Reed said that familiarity is already paying off.

“When we came in at first [last year], it is a big playbook, so it’s a lot to learn,” Reed said. “I think that now, just banking off of last year, growing what we already know, coming in and then redoing it, it’s like reading the same book over and over again. So now, we get to go out on the field and just play fast, and I think that plays a huge part into being successful and executing our plays.”

Key Players Re-Signed Early

Before free agency opened, the Seahawks locked up two of their defensive leaders: Reed and Jones. They also kept restricted free agent cornerback Josh Jobe and re-signed veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins after the draft.

That means 13 of the 16 defenders who played at least 300 snaps last season are back. The three exceptions—linebacker Tyrel Dodson, end Dre’Mont Jones, and safety Rayshawn Jenkins—were all released.

Defensive coordinator Aden Durde believes keeping the same players and coaches gives the unit a major edge.

“I think it’s obviously going to help you,” Durde said. “The continuity comes with the understanding of OK, now when we’re going through it, the formation adjustments, they’re talking [through] them, they’re anticipating them and they’re understanding how to play fast. So it’s huge that we’ve got the guys back.”

Better Chemistry, Better Results

The Seahawks had growing pains early last season, especially against the run. Over the first seven games, they gave up 146.1 rushing yards per game—28th in the league. But over the final nine games, that dropped to just 96.2 yards—seventh best in the NFL.

Reed said the players finally started clicking during that stretch.

“I think we came together more,” Reed said. “I think at the time we came in, everybody was just trying to learn what to do, so everybody was kind of out there doing their job. Now, we can go ahead and do our job, but we can do it together. … Just as far as just knowing the plays, we can know where this person’s supposed to be or expect what this person is going to do and we can just trust it, play with it and go with it.

Jones Brings Stability After Two Midseason Trades

Seattle acquired Jones in a midseason trade with the Titans, and he quickly became a key piece in the middle of the defense. The Seahawks didn’t wait long to make it permanent, signing him to a three-year, $28.5 million contract—just hours after they re-signed Reed.

For Jones, who moved from Los Angeles to Nashville to Seattle in two months, the deal brought much-needed stability.

“That’s my linebacker,” Reed said. “I say it every time, like Terrell Owens said, ‘That’s my quarterback.’ That’s my linebacker. Seriously though, he’s a great addition, man. He’s a great ballplayer, he’s very smart, he’s a headhunter … one of those guys that we like on the defense, a physical player and smart.”

Jones has been taking part in OTAs but is easing back into full-speed drills while recovering from knee surgery.

“I’m feeling really good,” Jones said. “I’m getting back in the mix right now with the guys, so I’m excited. … I haven’t been able to play my best ball, whether it be the knee or whether it be other circumstances. But I’m excited for this year, truly.”

Only a Few New Faces—and Maybe More Coming

The only newcomers expected to play big roles on defense are Emmanwori and veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. However, with around $30 million in cap space, Seattle could still make a splash.

Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is one rumored target, though he’d likely need to play out his current contract if traded. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey could also help, but his $20 million salary and strong personality might not match the team-first culture Macdonald wants.

Team Culture Is Already Taking Shape

Every player on the roster showed up for at least one of Seattle’s six voluntary OTA sessions. Most players came to all six. That kind of buy-in is a sign of the new mindset Macdonald is trying to create, one that values chemistry and effort over individual recognition.

Jones said the foundation is in place for something great.

“I think it’s going to be special,” he said. “I’m excited. I don’t want to give too much because we’ve got to go, of course, put the work in. But if the vision lives up to what I think, it’s going to be something crazy.”