Seahawks and Titans Agree to Linebacker Swap Ahead
The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans have finalized a trade involving linebackers, shaking up their rosters ahead of Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season. Seattle has sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a fourth-round draft pick to Tennessee in exchange for linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The Titans officially announced the transaction on Thursday.
Details of the Trade
Jones, a four-year veteran, has tallied 44 tackles in six games this season. His previous year was a breakout campaign, where he posted career-best numbers: 145 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and six pass breakups. Now, he joins a Seahawks squad that sits atop the NFC West standings with a 4-3 record, aiming to bolster its defensive unit.
On the other side, Baker was in his first season with Seattle after spending six years with the Miami Dolphins. A seven-year NFL veteran, Baker has accumulated 23.5 sacks, 617 tackles, five interceptions, and 23 pass deflections in 99 regular-season games. In the 2024 season so far, he has registered 30 tackles and one sack.
With the NFL’s trade deadline looming on November 5, the Titans have been proactive in reshaping their roster. Earlier in the day, Tennessee moved former All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. At 1-5, the Titans are among the teams expected to be active in making moves before the deadline, signaling a shift toward long-term planning.
Who Benefited More from the Trade?
Seattle Seahawks: Grade A-
Seattle is clearly focused on maintaining its lead over NFC West rivals such as the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams. By acquiring Jones, the team strengthens its defensive depth with a young, ascending player who has already shown promise.
While the Seahawks’ offense has performed well under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, their defense—especially against the run—has been inconsistent. Addressing that issue ahead of the trade deadline was a priority, and acquiring Jones is a decisive step in that direction.
However, the cost of the transaction—parting with Baker and a valuable fourth-round draft pick—was relatively high. This factor prevented the Seahawks from earning a perfect grade. Seattle’s front office expects Jones to be more impactful in their system than he was in Tennessee this season, a gamble that will play out over the coming weeks.
Tennessee Titans: Grade B
The Titans’ front office appears to be embracing a forward-looking approach, focusing on long-term roster development rather than immediate success. By trading Hopkins and Jones, Tennessee has gained additional draft capital and financial flexibility while still acquiring a serviceable linebacker in Baker.
Though Baker is not as dynamic as Jones, he remains a reliable defender who can contribute right away. His experience will add stability to Tennessee’s defense, and the fourth-round pick obtained in the trade adds further value.
The downside for Tennessee is that Jones is only 24 years old and was in his first season with the team, making his departure somewhat surprising. The Titans’ willingness to move on from him suggests they viewed his tenure as underwhelming. Still, they secured a solid replacement and future assets in the process.
Big Picture Impact
This trade signals different directions for both franchises. Seattle, currently in playoff contention, is making an aggressive push to strengthen its defense in hopes of maintaining its standing in the division. Tennessee, on the other hand, appears to be focusing on long-term planning rather than immediate competitiveness.
While the Seahawks’ division rivals may not be pleased with the move, most teams around the league likely view this trade as a reasonable transaction for both sides. However, the same cannot be said for Tennessee’s decision to trade Hopkins to the Chiefs, which drew more scrutiny. Ultimately, time will tell which team truly benefited more from the linebacker swap.