Impending free agent linebacker Ernest Jones could head elsewhere again for another time in his career this upcoming offseason. According to reports, the Seahawks are pausing the contract extension talks and there hasn’t been any word on whether or not Seattle will continue them. Teams might be scratching their head this free agency why Jones isn’t able to stick with a team but that is out of control since he’s still an impactful player no matter the situation he’s in. Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina product spent the first two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams winning a Super Bowl and finishing off the campaign with 61 tackles and two interceptions with just seven starts.
In 2024, the Rams sent him to the Titans where he made somewhat of an impact at 44 total tackles but became a journeyman that same year. The Seahawks got him in exchange for Jerome Baker in another trade so it’s interesting that Jones still put up elusive numbers, recording 94 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception. His quick emergence in Seattle should be an intrigue for teams out there looking for a capable pass rusher. However, while Jones wants to stay in Seattle, it will be up to the organization if they have those feelings after pausing the contract talks.
Time is ticking for the Seahawks so perhaps, teams like the Chargers, Panthers may come and swoop to sign the free agent. This might be the last stop for Jones for a couple of years depending on what type of contract he receives.
Chargers, Panthers Could Disrupt Free Agent Ernest Jones Extension Talks
New Home in LA
The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a good spot to afford a contract that Ernest Jones might want. It doesn’t look like veteran Khalil Mack will return after contemplating retirement but later changing his mind, so he might test free agency instead. However, the team would need to re-sign capable pass rushers such as Poona Ford who had an enormous year. With that, Jones should be able to be a viable replacement that could last longer than Mack who doesn’t have several years in his tenure due to age.
Nobody loves a good physical old-school defense than head coach Jim Harbaugh and he may be intrigued to sign someone like Jones. Joey Bosa will likely get cut so while the Chargers will draft a new linebacker, they should simply sign Jones for depth. He might not be a consistent pass rusher but whenever he’s on the field, he can make an impact.
Rebuilding Carolina
The Panthers spent their precious time building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young but he could excel finally with the presence of wideouts Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. However, the defense is in a bleak state and it’s hard to imagine they’ll walk into the season with the weapons they have. Carolina might not make it to the Super Bowl but since Shaq Thompson will become a free agent, they would need a replacement. A better option could indeed be Ernest Jones who may provide a fresh breath of air.
Derrick Brown will return to the trenches this season and they want to ensure he gets the gaps open in the right places to get after the quarterback. While Jadeveon Clowney is likely a cut candidate this offseason too, the Panthers should focus on restructuring the defense and Jones should be their first step.
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