Who said it? Certainly not a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Perhaps the words were spoken by one of Ernest Jones IV's former teams, the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans.
Whatever and whoever said some negative remarks about Jones certainly got the linebacker upset. We know this because Jones took to social media on Friday to dispel any rumors he is a bad teammate. There have been no words from the Seahawks' camp that this is so. In fact, the team has been open about trying to re-sign Jones this offseason.
It was Jones who seemingly broke any potential contract talks off with Seattle, but not without letting everyone know he would like to be back in Seattle. The issue is money. Jones wants to get paid and he should. This will be his first test of free agency waters, and he is only 25 years old.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV seems to have been disrespected and Tyler Lockett does not like that
As far as Jones being a bad teammate, well...that wasn't the case in Seattle. He made the team better after being traded from the Titans midway through the 2024 season. Before Jones, Seattle was bad against the run and the linebackers were bad in coverage. Partially due to the acquisition of Jones, the Seahawks' defense greatly improved.
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. God bless ❤️.
— Ernest Jones (@ernestjones53) February 22, 2025
On Friday, Jones implied some had called him a "locker room cancer" and he did not like it. He does not see himself that way. He did not give particulars about who might have said such horrible things. But Seattle wide receiver (and fantastic human being) Tyler Lockett was not about to let Jones suffer in his being disrespected.
Lockett quickly responded on social media that he would play with Jones on any team. He also stated Jones plays hard, works hard to get better, and helps change the outcome of games with his ability on the field.
Ernest has been a great teammate! Definitely someone that I would want on my team! He does things the right way! He’s a hard worker! And he makes game changing plays! He’s definitely a player that is needed in a locker room! https://t.co/SPe4yW1XOi
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) February 22, 2025
The truth is that Seattle needs Jones back, but the team might not be able to afford him. Seattle is over the projected salary cap, and after it makes moves (possibly like releasing Lockett), there will be a bit more financial freedom, but possibly not enough to bring back Jones. He might earn a deal of $8 million a season or more.
What would the Seahawks do to fill his spot? Who knows? It's likely to draft a player. One can assume that if Jones leaves, the defense will be diminished. Plus, other Seattle players probably feel the same way about Jones as Lockett does, meaning Jones is good for the locker room, too.