Middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV transformed the Seattle Seahawks’ defense midway through the 2024 season. Now the team must pay to keep him around in 2025 and beyond.

The Seahawks paused extension talks with Ernest Jones at the end of the regular season, but they’re still looking to re-sign the 25-year-old linebacker for 2025 and beyond.

When it comes to Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, the team’s biggest pending free agent, ESPN claims staying put in Seattle represents the best-case scenario for Jones IV. We tend to agree. The best team fits for our Top 50 NFL free agents.

If the Seahawks can't re-sign Jones they will have given up a fourth-round draft pick for a half-season rental and will be forced to find a replacement either in free agency or the draft, and there aren't any inside linebackers anywhere near his level in either case. Moreover, if he's allowed to walk Jones may end up signing with a rival.

Yes, the salary cap coming in higher than expected means the Seahawks won’t need to free up as much cap space, but it means free agent contracts are likely to come in well above where many fans above where many fans anticipate.