There was a time when free agent Jamal Adams was one of the best safeties in the league. Originally selected with the sixth-overall pick, the LSU product quickly established himself as one of the game’s elite players. Playing with the Jets and the Seahawks, Adams made three straight Pro Bowls from 2018 to 2020 and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019.
Adams signed a four-year, $70.58 million extension in August of 2021 but couldn’t make it to the end of his deal. Age caught up with the veteran, and the cash-strapped Seahawks had no choice but to release Jamal Adams and make him a free agent. While he hasn’t received much interest on the open market, the veteran finally took a visit with the Baltimore Ravens.
Former Seahawks Pro-Bowl safety Jamal Adams is visiting today with the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/08Xtrt85rx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2024
Ravens Host Jamal Adams On Free Agent Visit, Is Signing Imminent?
The Ravens have one of the NFL’s best safety duos in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. However, Baltimore uses three-safety looks more than any other team, and they have yet to properly replace the departed Geno Stone. Stone is more of a free safety, while Adams is at his best in the box. Baltimore probably won’t use the free agent in Stone’s old role, but they could sign Jamal Adams as veteran insurance for Kyle Hamilton.
Of course, the Baltimore Ravens shouldn’t be the only team interested in kicking the tires on free agent Jamal Adams. While the former sixth-overall pick is not the player he used to be, he can still play a depth role in the right defense. In no particular order, these five teams make the most sense for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Other Potential Destinations
New York Giants
The New York Giants lost arguably their best defensive player in safety Xavier McKinney. While the team believes second-round rookie Tyler Nubin could be the long-term answer at the position, they could use a short-term fix if the University of Minnesota product needs time to adjust to the NFL. Jamal Adams is not the same type of player as McKinney, but the free agent can provide a physical, run-stuffing presence to a defense that will need to face the mobile Jalen Hurts and old friend Saquon Barkley twice a year.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are moving on from Justin Simmons, as recent reports indicate the team won’t bring him back on a reduced contract. While this implies Denver believes in their young talent, they could use a cheap free agent like Jamal Adams to help the next generation transition to the league. At this point in his career, Adams is not a long-term fix and won’t be anything more than a situational player. However, the former great can provide support in the run game while serving as a mentor to younger players in the secondary.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints could use another safety but don’t have the financial resources to spend big on the position. Jamal Adamas was never the best in coverage, and at this point in his career, the free agent is an active liability. Fortunately, he can still play the box effectively, so he could find a home in New Orleans. Tyrann Mathieu can play both safety positions at a solid level and has the versatility to be a full-time free safety if Adams claims the strong safety position.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs don’t win the Super Bowl without the stellar play of their defense. While the unit had playmakers at every level, the lone weakness was the run defense. While this isn’t too big of a deal when Patrick Mahomes is your quarterback, Jamal Adams could help as a free agent. The former first-round pick can still blast through offensive linemen and bring the pain to opposing running backs. With the division rival Chargers looking to improve their run game, Adams could help shut down their early-down offense.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have the offense to go on a deep playoff run now that Kirk Cousins is in town. However, they still lack a reliable defense. Jamal Adams can’t fix every issue with this unit, but the free agent will improve a safety depth chart that lacks talent beyond superstar Jessie Bates. With only $6.8 million in cap space, Atlanta probably can’t justify spending up on top-market guys like Simmons, so hopefully they can catch lightning in a bottle with Adams.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
