Not long after he re-signed with the Seahawks, linebacker Ernest Jones IV was finally able to take a deep breath and, with a clear head, focus on what by all accounts should be a very bright future.
At this time a year ago, Jones and his wife were awaiting the birth of their son while, he thought, preparing for his fourth season with the Rams. But not long after they welcomed Ernest Jones V to the world, the Jones family, now three, had to move across the country after he was unexpectedly traded to the Titans. Then, with Tennessee struggling and looking to retool its roster with an eye on the future, Jones was traded again midway through the season, this time to Seattle.
Another cross country move with a young son, more uncertainty, more stress.
But it didn't take long for Jones to feel at home with the Seahawks as both he and the defense thrived in the second half of last season, then in March the last bit of uncertainty was erased when Jones signed a multi-year contract with the Seahawks just before the start of free agency.
"It was so stressful," Jones said Thursday after the Seahawks' final practice of organized team activities. "I'll tell you this, maybe around April, me and my wife finally—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. But like I said earlier, I'm more focused on now playing my best football and going out here and being the best linebacker that this team has seen."
After so much change and uncertainty over the past year, Jones is more than happy to be spending his summer taking part in optional offseason workouts, and in fact he is just one of many proven veterans showing up for voluntary part of the offseason workout program. While not every player has taken part in every day of workouts and OTAs, everyone has been around at some point, including injured players who are either unable to participate in on-field work or are limited in what they can do.
"I think for this team, we're bought into the goal and the mission, and the goal is to put another banner up in here," Jones said, nodding towards the large banner in the team's indoor practice facility celebrating the Seahawks' 2013 team that won Super Bowl XLVIII. "I think everyone believes in that and we're going to show up to work and do what we have to do to make sure we get it done."
If the Seahawks are going to live up to their own lofty expectations in 2025, the defense figures to have a big role in that success. Yes, it takes all three phases to be an elite team in the NFL, but if you're looking for reasons to be optimistic about Seattle's chances this season, the play of Mike Macdonald's defense late last season has to be at or near the top of the list.
After some ups and downs last season, the Seahawks made some significant changes, one of the biggest ones being the trade to acquire Jones, and those personnel changes, along with some tweaks in what Macdonald was asking of them, paid off. Time, of course, was also a big factor. Macdonald's defense is not a simple one, and there were always going to be some growing pains in Year 1, whether or not he wanted to accept that reality of the game. Add it all up, and a defense that was statistically pretty mediocre midway through the season was one of the best in the league over the final eight games, which played a big role in the Seahawks finishing the season going 6-2 to get to 10 wins and nearly make the postseason. With Jones and Jarran Reed re-signing before hitting free agency, the Seahawks are returning 10 of 11 starters from the end of last season, as well as several other important depth pieces, and they've also added some significant talent to that group, including veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and second-round pick Nick Emmanwori.
"I think it's going to be special," Jones said when asked about the continuity on that side of the ball. "I'm excited. I don't want to give too much because we've got to go put the work in. But, if the vision lives up to what I think, yeah, it's going to be something crazy.
"I like us versus anything and anybody. That's how I'll leave it."
The Seahawks concluded the second week of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11), wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Zy Alexander (17) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee (17) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Mitch Van Vooren (44), tight end Noah Fant (87) and tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee (17) and quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines (56), linebacker Jared Ivey (51) and nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) and wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) and wide receiver Steven Sims (84) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Bryce Cabeldue (77) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tyler Hall (33) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Isas Waxter (36) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Karl Scott on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and linebacker Seth Coleman (43) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Federico Maranges (62) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day six of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
