Ranking the Potential Suitors for Jamal Adams

The Jamal Adams trade talks aren’t a brand new topic in Florham Park. Adams was rumored to be headed out as early as the days leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.

Dealing him would make sense. The Jets would be able to get a potential high-profile wide receiver or defensive lineman as a hefty return for one of the best safeties in the league. Adams’s value is still sky-high and the team could use that to bring in talent of a caliber no longer on the FA market.

Adams himself has revealed a list of eight teams he would accept trade offers from, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Let’s examine which teams are most likely to engage in negotiations with the Jets and Adams:

TOP-NOTCH SUITORS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Jamal Adams would be a significant improvement to the Ravens secondary. Ever since the team acquired cornerback Marcus Peters from the Rams, the duo of him and Marlon Humphrey has made a name in the league. However, one of NFL’s best defensive units against the air game could use another good safety alongside Earl Thomas. Thomas has played more in the box than in coverage during the last two seasons (34 targets).

On the one hand, Adams is a very solid option as a high safety, posting an allowed passer rating of around 75.0 in both 2019 and 2018 (34 and 60 targets, respectively). In addition, he’s defended a total of 19 passes during that span.

On the other hand, the likely cost could feature linebacker Matthew Judon, 2019 sack leader for Baltimore. The pass-rush was a weakness for the Ravens in a very strong season, finishing 21st with 37 sacks. However, the difference between Judon’s 8 sacks and Adams’s 6.5 sacks resembles a mere loss. If Derek Wolfe and Calais Campbell stay healthy, the pass-rush could thrive despite Judon’s departure.

Potential return: First-round pick and/or Matthew Judon

DALLAS COWBOYS

Adams has been very vocal about his desire to play for a contender. Interestingly enough, the Cowboys have been linked to the Jets safety more than any other team on this list. Dallas has been looking to inquire for a safety in a trade since March but has only signed free-agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

The Cowboys secondary went through a number of changes this offseason. First, the team lost star cornerback Byron Jones. Then, Dallas drafted Trevon Diggs from Alabama in the second round of the draft. Currently, Xavier Woods and Dix make up the starting duo of safeties. Signing former Titans corner Logan Ryan could also be in the plans for Jerry Jones’s team.

A full, healthy year by Woods could mean much for the Cowboys defense against the passing game. However, needless to say, with Adams as the leading high safety, he has the potential to be a lot more dominant against opposing pass-catchers.

After the NFC East side drafted CeeDee Lamb, the Jets could have the leverage to demand Michael Gallup. Better for the Jets – the Cowboys could have the leverage to let him go in the deal. That way, the Jets get a significant upgrade in the receiving corps, which could mean more for the new-look offense.

Starting right tackle La’el Collins is also a subject of interest by the Jets, according to the Pro Football Network.

Potential return: First-round pick and/or Michael Gallup/La’el Collins

UNDER-THE-RADAR CANDIDATES

HOUSTON TEXANS

Houston is another team that would gladly take Adams because of all his upside in different utilization. Safety Justin Reid, with his allowed rating of 99.9, is average, but Jaylen Watkins lacks the experience to be a successful starter.

The Texans defense against the throw was one of the weakest last year, surrendering 267.3 yards per game. Re-signing Bradley Roby, alongside the return of Reid, was the right first step towards fixing a big issue. Getting Adams could further help the unit surprise a lot of people within the business.

Despite all the positivity on the Houston side, there isn’t much that can open Joe Douglas’ eyes here. The Texans aren’t willing to offer a receiver after parting ways with DeAndre Hopkins. They cannot also include a 2021 first-round pick as they don’t have one. Besides Laremy Tunsil, there isn’t anything impressive in the offensive line. Meanwhile, Whitney Mercilus, who posted 7.5 sacks in 2019, won’t improve the Jets pass-rush all that much.

Potential return: Whitney Mercilus and an Offensive Lineman

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles finally found their dominant outside corner in Darius Slay. However, they also lost one of the solid safeties in coverage in Malcolm Jenkins. In no way does this help a passing defense in the bottom half of the league.

Alshon Jeffery, who was rumored to be on his way out in April, could be a welcome addition to a lacking receiving core. Nevertheless, the Eagles aren’t that deep on pass-catchers so they could be reluctant to deal him away.

Potential return: First-round pick and/or Alshon Jeffery

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Bucs have all the assets to make a trade for Jamal Adams. Furthermore, the safety position is also a need for the team. From the three under-the-radar candidates for the leader of the Jets defense, Tampa Bay might be the most likely destination.

The team’s defense against the passing game is the third-worst, allowing 270 yards per game. However, Carlton Davis, top outside corner and a second-year player, had a great year, allowing a passer rating of 80.0 on 117 targets.

What makes this trade possible is wide receiver Chris Godwin, who was reportedly on the trade block a couple of months ago. Still, with the new-look Buccaneers set for a huge year with Tom Brady throwing to him, Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, and more, it’s unlikely they’ll take such a high risk.

Potential return: First-round pick and/or Chris Godwin

UNLIKELY TO GIVE IT A TRY

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Adams would be a welcome addition alongside Quandre Diggs but Seattle doesn’t have many players that they can plug in an offer and let go. In addition, their biggest target on the free-agent market remains adding pass-rush and bringing back Jadeveon Clowney.

Potential return: First-round pick and/or Tyler Lockett

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The Niners are in a similar situation to the Seahawks. Once again, Adams is a safety that would substantially improve their secondary but they can’t afford to part ways with any important assets from either the pass-rush or the receiving core. San Francisco’s roster looks complete and any further signings will probably come from the FA market.

Potential return: First-round pick, another high pick and/or a Wide Receiver

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs already have one of the best safeties in the league in Tyronn Mathieu and are at crossroads salary cap-wise. A historically-big Patrick Mahomes deal, which seems like a guarantee at the moment, could prevent them from re-signing Adams beyond his two remaining years on his current contract.

Kansas City would be reluctant to offering Sammy Watkins or Chris Jones because even if Adams fulfills his potential, the gain is little to none.

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