Although it might seem ages since the NFL was in action, the great news for fans is that the opening game is edging ever closer now. September 10, 2020 will soon be here and should see the new campaign kick-off (COVID-19 dependent obviously) to great fanfare. It will undoubtedly give Jets fans something else to do in addition to following other sports news over summer or playing on fun NJ gambling apps. Of course, we have already had major post-season excitement and are still mulling over the recent 2020 draft.
That saw some promising young talent come into the Jets locker room in the form of Mekhi Becton at OT and Denzel Mims at WR. With a host of other draft signings also completed, it could mean that the Jets need to offload players currently on their roster to make some space. One player that could be looking at the exit door is Jamal Adams. With that in mind, it is a good idea to look back at his career in New York to date and to see whether it is likely that he will be traded.
Jamal Adams – Jets career so far
The Jets drafted Adams at #6 overall in 2017. He started all 16 games in his rookie year, registering 83 tackles (63 solo), 6 defended passes, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Adams also started all 16 games next season and established himself as one of the nest safeties in the NFL. He led the team with 115 total tackles and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Adams raised his game to another level in 2019 when in addition to being selected to his second Pro Bowl, he also made the 1st Team All-Pro. He recorded his first career pick six in Week 3 against the Patriots and also was on pace to break the sack record for defensive backs before suffering an ankle injury that forced him to miss two games. He also earned his second Curtis Martin Team MVP for the second straight year.
Heading into the 2020 season, it all looked rosy for the player who was an essential member of the Jets. However, recent contract rumblings, a fresh influx of talent and needs at other positions have altered this picture somewhat.
What is going on with his contract?
The question for Jets fans right now is what exactly is going on with Adams and his contract. Recent media reports have confirmed that no new contract extension offer has been made to Adams as yet. With frustration growing on Adams' part and the Jets not rushing to tie him down on an extension, it could mean a parting of the ways is about to happen. To further add fuel to the fire, it is believed that the player's family is pushing for a move out of New York, and Adams himself is looking for a fresh challenge.
But where might he end up if a trade deal is arranged?
Which NFL teams might be in for him?
The important thing to factor into this is what the Gang Green will be looking for in return. Many think that they will ask for a 1st and 3rd round future pick for the 24-year-old defender who is in the prime of his career.
Perhaps the most obvious destination is the Houston Texans. Adams is originally from Texas, so a trade deal there would solve his issues around being closer to family. The Texans also do not have a decent strong safety in their locker room, so they would welcome his arrival. The Cincinnati Bengals are another NFL team that could also trade for his services. They have the required picks to offer, which the Jets may take, and their current strong safety, Shawn Williams, just isn't doing it for them.
Then, there's also the Dallas Cowboys. Even though Adams grew up in Dallas, he was a Giants fan and his family reportedly hates the Cowboys. Dallas needs a decent strong safety to improve in 2020/21. Any trade might mean they give up their 2021 first-round draft pick and or offer WR Michael Gallup in return.
Would it be a deal that makes sense for the Jets?
There is no doubt that Jamal Adams has been a great player for the Jets over the last few years. He has fulfilled the potential he showed as a college player and helped the team get better on defense with his tough tackling and locker room presence. It would, therefore, be something of a shame if he were to leave. With contract negotiations seemingly at a standstill though and talk of the player himself looking to move on, it might merely be a case of the New York Jets getting the best trade deal they can for him.