Ernest Jones IV has found a home in the Pacific Northwest.
The former Ware County High all-state linebacker signed a three-year, $33 million contract last week with the Seattle Seahawks. Jones, who played collegiately at South Carolina, received a $7 million signing bonus with the deal, which includes $15 million in guaranteed money, according to published reports.
The four-year veteran signed Tuesday, March 18, a day before he was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent with the start of the new NFL year.
“I’m super excited, super blessed, thankful to be a part of this team and what’s to come,” Jones said after signing. 'We’ve got some good things brewing here, and I’m super excited to be a part of it.”
The base value of the contract is $28.5 million, with an additional $4.5 million available through incentives.
The deal makes sure the Seahawks retain a key piece of their defense for the immediate future.
Head coach Mike Macdonald was elated with the signing.
“I love the guy,” he said. “Anytime you’re bringing someone to your team, you’re looking forward to building a relationship with them. He doesn’t mind me talking in his helmet a lot, so that’s nice — can’t control myself on that.
“I just love the person, love the competitor, tough as crap, loves ball. How do you not love guys like that?”
Jones, a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams after a stellar three years at South Carolina, was acquired in a midseason trade with the Tennessee Titans. He played a key role in Seattle’s defensive turnaround midway through the season, recording 94 tackles, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and an interception in 10 games And with the success the defense had in the second half of the season, the 6-foot-2, 235-pounder is expecting even more from that unit this season.
“I’m super optimistic,' he said. “The standard is the standard, and we have to build off of what we did last year. I do believe we have the chance to be the best, so we’ have to go out there and put the work in and prove it.”
Jones entered his fourth season with the Rams after becoming a starter early in his rookie season and helping the team to a Super Bowl in. Just months from free agency off his rookie contract, he was dealt to the Titans in preseason, but wound up in Seattle.
The new contract gives Jones and his family — wife Tyra and their eight-monthold son Ernest V — a place to grow some roots.
“That’s the biggest thing, not having to move my family, being able to get settled here,” Jones said. “Let’s go win some games, win some championships.”
Jones has a charitable foundation he and his family operate in Waycross. The organization annually provides supplies for students ahead of school opening as well as holiday meals for families.
Last fall, Jones was in town on his bye week and the foundation provided meals to the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
