The Titans have some young players ready to replace Ernest Jones IV
The Tennessee Titans pulled a mini-surprise by trading linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. It was somewhat surprising because Jones was playing like a potential long-term building block on defense. On the other hand, he was playing on an expiring contract for a team that needs draft picks to accelerate the rebuild.
We’ve agreed to a trade with the Titans for LB Ernest Jones IV.
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— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 23, 2024
Furthermore, the Titans roster several young talents that deserve an extended look in a lost season as the team begins searching for solutions in 2025. The biggest mistake the Titans could make is insert Baker (who’s also on an expiring contract) or Jack Gibbens in Jones’ place. Perhaps that’s the short-term solution, but it’s rookies Cedric Gray and James Williams IV that should earn some defensive snaps next to Kenneth Murray down the stretch.
Gray, the team’s fourth-round selection in 2024, currently remains on IR after suffering an injury that sidelined him for the majority of training camp, and all of the preseason. The Titans exercised Gray’s return-window a few weeks ago and head coach Brian Callahan claimed earlier this week that he’s nearing full health. Expect the Titans to activate the former North Carolina standout shortly.
Williams has been a healthy scratch for several contests this season. The rookie seventh-round selection has played 36 special teams snaps and zero defensive ones. A safety-turned-linebacker, Williams remains in the early stages of his positional acclimation and pro-level development. The Titans may remain patient, but the ex Miami Hurricanes defender should receive an opportunity to highlight his skill set at some point.
Murray is the only experienced Titans linebacker signed through next season. As far as off-ball linebacker goes, the Titans should use the remainder of the 2024 campaign to evaluate what next year’s situation looks like. Baker should earn enough snaps to make a decision on re-signing him, but the Titans need to ensure Gray and Williams receive opportunities to establish themselves in Dennard Wilson’s defense.