Titans trade LB Ernest Jones IV to Seahawks in a move that signals the obvious

The 1-5 Tennessee Titans are in full rebuild mode. After trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs this morning, general manager Ran Carthon has executed another deal. The Titans are sending linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a fourth-round pick and linebacker Jerome Baker, according to multiple reports.

The Titans got a fifth-round selection for Hopkins from Kansas City that could be a fourth-rounder if certain conditions are met in a deal that sent social media ablaze. If Hopkins meets those incentives, Carthon will have acquired two additional fourth-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft in the span of hours. It's especially notable, because the team is currently without a third-rounder as a result of the L'Jarius Sneed trade.

The Titans only acquired Jones from the Los Angeles Rams in August, swapping Day Three selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Carthon deserves credit for receiving significantly more capital in return for Jones than he parted with less than three months ago. It represents a shrewd piece of business for the rebuilding Titans.

Jones has been outstanding for the Titans this season. The former third-round selection out of South Carolina ranked second on the Titans in tackles with 44 takedowns at the time of his departure. Jones has also recorded three tackles for loss and two pass breakups this campaign.

Jones was playing out the 2024 campaign on an expiring contract. Given his effectiveness, it could have made sense for the Titans to hold onto Jones and sign him to a long-term extension. Ultimately, Carthon couldn't reject an opportunity to acquire a fourth-round pick and a veteran replacement in exchange for a player on an expiring contract. The Titans could always attempt to sign him in free agency.

Jones' departure will allow younger Titans linebackers to vie for playing time next to starter Kenneth Murray. Third-year pro Jack Gibbens could immediately replace Jones, but there are other options with higher ceilings. Fourth-round rookie Cedric Gray is close to making his debut after starting the season on IR. Seventh-round linebacker James Williams is another intriguing talent that could play his way into the rotation.

Baker is a seventh-year pro that's recorded 23.5 career sacks and five interceptions. Recurring injuries have been an issue in recent memory. He's recorded 37 tackles for the Seahawks this season. Baker, like Jones, is also playing on an expiring contract. The Titans will possess an 11-game sample size to decide if he's worth re-signing in the offseason or not.