SEATTLE — In seven games before trading for Ernest Jones IV, the Seahawks surrendered an average of 146.1 rushing yards per game, plus 4.97 opponent yards per carry and seven rushing scores.

In 10 games after trading for Ernest Jones IV, the Seahawks surrendered an average of 103 rushing yards per game, plus 4.20 opponent yards per carry and four rushing scores.

Jones — who tallied 138 tackles in 16 games between Seattle and Tennessee — is not the only reason the Seahawks (finally) started to stop the run.

But he might be the biggest one.

When asked Nov. 21 what was working in the suddenly improved rush defense, safety Julian Love simply said: “No. 13 (Jones) is working. He’s a stud.”

So, why haven’t the Seahawks signed him yet?

The 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12, unless he and the Seahawks strike a deal prior to that date. Last week, general manager John Schneider told 710 AM Seattle Sports: “Obviously we want Ernest back. We’ve talked to his guys (agents). We’ve had great communication with them, and we’re hoping we’re able to accomplish that.”

And yet, the clock is ticking.

Outside of improving the offensive line, bringing back Jones should be the Seahawks’ foremost priority this offseason. Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald can’t afford to let a leader in the prime of his career make it to the market.

Besides, Jones’ value transcends statistical comparison. The 25-year-old from Waycross, Ga., also accepted the green dot (requiring him to relay play calls from coaches to teammates) upon arriving on Oct. 23, and mentored rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight — who ascended by his side. He instantly became a leading voice, presence and example in the Seahawks’ locker room.

“We love him. He’s a great player and there’s a poise to how he operates, which I respect,” Macdonald said Jan. 1. “The guy loves football. Those are the guys that do really well here. He would do great in a lot of organizations, probably every organization, but I think he’s a great fit here.”

Which makes a supposed attack on his character all the more confusing.

In a three-post thread on X last week, Jones wrote in part: “I’ve always prided myself on being a good teammate, and not a single person who’s ever shared a locker room with me can say I’ve disrespected them — coaches included. I wear the name ‘Jones’ with honor, because I was raised by an incredible woman who taught me that respect and being a good person are the foundations of life.

“If you think I’m not good enough, that’s your right. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and that’s what makes this country great. But when people label me as a ‘locker room cancer,’ it strikes at the very core of who I am — my character, my upbringing, and the values I stand by.”

This was a defense without accompanying context. Did that label originate from someone in Seattle, or in previous stops in Los Angeles or Tennessee? Did Jones dive into his mentions on social media, an unfiltered sewer of anonymous insults?

Maybe, there’s something we’re all missing. But I see a dependable 25-year-old tackler who has missed just six regular season games in four NFL seasons. I see a Super Bowl champion who NFL.com ranked as the No. 27 available free agent in 2025. I see an accountable constant who took 100% of the Seahawks’ defensive snaps in his 10-game stay. I see the centerpiece of a defense that surrendered a single rushing touchdown in its final seven games.

Oh, and I see someone who wants to help the Seahawks win.

“I love it here. I would love to be here,” Jones said on Jan. 2. “But as far as extension or free agency, I’m kind of just letting my agent handle it, letting the organization handle it, and hopefully we can get something done so I can be around.”

So, sign the man.

Or risk repeating your mistakes.

This time a year ago, the Seahawks bid farewell to Jordyn Brooks — as their former first-round pick turned free agent signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old Brooks did not disappoint, starting all 17 games and contributing 143 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.

The Seahawks resorted to rentals — signing Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson to doomed one-year deals. That tandem proved stunningly temporary, as Baker and a fourth-round pick were dealt for Jones and Dodson was waived (despite leading the team in tackles) after the bye week. The makeshift marriage of Jones and Knight proved an instant upgrade.

Aside from last season, Schneider surely understands the value of linebacker longevity. Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright logged 21 combined seasons in Seattle, starring side by side, serving as steadfast symbols of defensive dominance.

No one is saying Jones and Knight could become K.J. and Bobby. I also understand signing Jones may require making him one of the richest linebackers in the league. That’s an enormous investment for a franchise with obvious needs on both sides of the ball.

But does anyone want another rental linebacker on the second level?

Come next season, No. 13 better not be working somewhere else.

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