What happened: Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV checks in at No. 97 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, the annual ranking voted on by players. The placement opens his slot in this year's countdown.

Why it matters: Recognition on the player-voted list underscores Jones' value at the center of Seattle's defense heading into the 2026 season. For a Seahawks unit leaning on its front seven, having its linebacker earn peer respect signals where the team's defensive identity sits.

What to watch: Watch where the rest of the countdown places fellow defenders as the NFL Top 100 of 2026 continues its reveal toward No. 1.