Seattle Seahawks' Ernest Jones IV promises a 'crazy' defense for 2025 as Michael Dickson signs a new deal. Get the latest on Seattle's offseason moves.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While much of the NFL world is buzzing about contract holdouts, the Seattle Seahawks are buzzing with a different kind of energy. It's a confidence, a swagger, perhaps best articulated by linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who didn't just express optimism for the 2025 season—he put the league on notice. As the team solidifies its roster with key deals, the message from inside the building is clear: expect big things.
We're going to unleash something crazy in our pursuit of Super Bowl glory.
The man at the center of the hype is Ernest Jones IV. Acquired mid-season last year, his impact was immediate, and now with a full offseason under his belt, he's setting the tone. Jones declared Tuesday that the Seahawks defense is preparing to unleash 'something crazy' this year, with their sights set firmly on adding 'another banner.' He credits the transformation to several factors, including his own integration, the rise of Tyrice Knight into a starting role, and the emergence of Josh Jobe as a dependable third cornerback. The high turnout for voluntary OTAs underscores the team's shared commitment to this lofty goal.
While the defense builds its new identity, the front office made a major move to ensure stability on special teams. As first reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Seahawks have signed punter Michael Dickson to a four-year, $16.2 million extension. The deal makes the Aussie one of the highest-paid punters in the league and keeps him in Seattle through the rest of the decade. Dickson isn't just a punter; he's a field-flipping weapon, and securing him long-term is a savvy move that reinforces the team's commitment to winning in all three phases of the game.
The positive vibes in Seattle stand in stark contrast to news elsewhere in the league, where star pass rushers like T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson are skipping their teams' mandatory minicamps while seeking new contracts. For the Seahawks, all appears quiet on the contract-drama front. The team is set for its own rescheduled mandatory minicamp next week, and the focus seems to be squarely on the field. The strong attendance at voluntary workouts suggests a unified group ready to get to work.
With a confident defense, a key special teamer locked in, and a drama-free locker room, the Seahawks are building momentum. Next week's mandatory minicamp will be the first real test of this new-found energy. Will the 'crazy' defense Jones predicts begin to take shape? All eyes will be on the practice field to find out.
