Seahawks Bolster Roster With Blockbuster Trade Flip. The Seattle Seahawks have taken some unconventional steps with their linebackers in 2024. They allowed veterans Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks to leave in free agency, which is acceptable. The team brought in Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson as replacements, but both were signed to one-year contracts. Essentially, Seattle appears to have no clear plan for what will happen after this season.
This uncertainty remains, as Dodson has performed well but has not received an extension. Meanwhile, Baker is no longer with the team, having been traded to the struggling Tennessee Titans in exchange for linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The deal also included a fourth-round pick from Seattle for next year’s draft.
This raises the question: did Seattle value Jones significantly more than a mid-round pick and Baker, which seems odd, or did the Titans simply want to part ways with Jones? Both players’ contracts expire after this season, so the Seahawks aren’t committed to any long-term financial obligations.
Seahawks Bolster Roster With Ernest Jones IV, it should be a huge win for fellow linebacker Tyrel Dodson
Baker performed adequately in coverage while playing weak-side linebacker, whereas Jones excelled in pass rushing. Importantly, Jones won’t be taking over Baker’s position in Seattle; he’ll step in as the MIKE linebacker, allowing Tyrel Dodson, who is the defensive communicator, to shift to the weak side.
This transition could be beneficial for both the Seahawks and Dodson. While Dodson has been decent this year, he has played slightly out of position. He has been effective in coverage, allowing just 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards and no touchdowns. However, his run defense has declined compared to his 2023 performance with the Buffalo Bills.
Moving to the weak-side linebacker role will require Dodson to cover running backs and tight ends more often, where he excels, while reducing his run defense responsibilities. Jones, on the other hand, was outstanding in run defense during his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and 2023, making him a significant asset for Seattle’s struggling run defense.
Both Dodson and Jones are looking to secure their next contracts. Dodson returns to a position where he was the highest-graded linebacker in the league in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jones should fit better into Seattle’s defensive scheme than Baker did and help improve their run-stopping capabilities.
Ultimately, Dodson stands to benefit the most from this change. He has already demonstrated his versatility and, with this move back to a more familiar inside linebacker position, he should thrive, which will be advantageous for both him and the team.
Leave a Reply