In a move that left many fans and analysts stunned, the Los Angeles Rams made a surprising decision late last August—trading away their top linebacker, Ernest Jones. It wasn’t just the trade itself that caught people off guard; it was the fact that they shipped him off to the Tennessee Titans for what seemed like a minimal return—a late-round pick swap. For a player of Jones’ caliber, the move raised eyebrows across the league.
But if there was any doubt about whether teams valued Jones, the events that followed proved otherwise. Fast forward just a few months, and Jones found himself on the move again. This time, it was a trade from the Titans to the Seattle Seahawks, a team that clearly saw something in him that others overlooked. And now, he’s landed a well-earned payday. On Sunday, Jones and the Seahawks agreed to a three-year contract worth a solid $33 million, with $15 million guaranteed. This deal not only secures his financial future but also keeps him in the NFC West, where he’ll have the opportunity to face the Rams twice a year—perhaps a little extra motivation to prove they made a mistake in letting him go.
A Wild Seven-Month Ride for Jones
Jones’ journey over the past seven months has been nothing short of chaotic. Imagine preparing for a season with one team, only to be suddenly traded right before kickoff. That’s exactly what happened when the Rams dealt him to Tennessee in late August. Just as he was settling in with the Titans, they turned around and shipped him off to Seattle in less than two months. Talk about a rollercoaster!
Despite all the uncertainty, Jones handled it like a pro. He didn’t just adapt—he thrived. Seattle saw something special in him, something neither the Rams nor Titans fully committed to, and they rewarded him with a lucrative extension. It’s a testament to Jones’ resilience and skill that despite being passed around like a hot commodity, he finally landed where he’s valued.
Why Did the Rams Let Him Go?
For a team that has been known for its aggressive roster moves, parting ways with Jones seemed odd at first glance. After all, this was a player they had drafted in the third round in 2021, someone who started 33 games for them across three seasons. He was productive, reliable, and still young. So why move on?
The answer likely boils down to two key factors: money and health. Jones was entering the final year of his rookie contract, which meant the Rams were faced with the looming decision of whether to extend him or let him walk in free agency. Given that they were already managing a tight salary cap, committing big money to Jones might not have been part of their long-term plan. On top of that, there were concerns about a knee issue that may have made the front office hesitant to invest in him for the future.
Rather than risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season, the Rams opted to get what little value they could—though many believe they could have done better than a simple late-round pick swap.
The Seahawks Saw the Potential
While the Rams were unwilling to commit, the Seahawks had no such hesitation. The moment Jones arrived in Seattle, he made an impact, showcasing his ability to command the defense and bring physicality to the front seven. His presence helped stabilize a unit that was looking for a strong leader in the middle.
It didn’t take long for the Seahawks to recognize his value. The fact that they locked him in with a three-year, $33 million contract proves that they see him as a long-term piece of their defensive core. It’s not every day a player gets traded twice in such a short span and still ends up with a major payday, but Jones proved he was worth it.
A New Chapter in Seattle
With this new contract, Jones now has stability for the first time in a long while. No more uncertainty, no more bouncing between teams—he can now focus on building a legacy in Seattle. And as fate would have it, he’ll get the chance to show the Rams exactly what they gave up twice a year.
For Seahawks fans, this signing is an exciting one. Jones brings energy, leadership, and a hard-hitting presence that fits perfectly with Seattle’s defensive identity. And for Jones himself, this is the fresh start he needed after months of uncertainty.
In the end, what started as a shocking trade turned into a blessing in disguise. The Rams may not have wanted to pay Jones, but the Seahawks had no problem stepping up. Now, the former Ram has a chance to prove to his old team—and the entire league—that he was worth every penny.
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