Jamal Adams Trade: Pros and cons for the New York Jets
There are pros and cons to the New York Jets possibly trading Jamal Adams.
There is little doubt who the leader of the New York Jets defense is; it’s Jamal Adams, a two-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro. Not only is the LSU product their best player, but he is also the emotional leader of Gregg Williams’ defensive unit, a player who performs with a fire and intensity that never burns out.
As all Jets fans know, Adams is looking for a long-term contract extension. Per CBS Sports, the 6-1, 213-pounder would like a new contract before the beginning of the 2020 campaign. Gang Green picked up his fifth-year option for $9.9 million last month but long-term contract financial conditions have not yet been discussed.
This is a sticky situation. Adams wants the security of a long-term deal at top value but the Jets have him under control through the 2021 season and can potentially franchise tag him in 2022. What is Jets general manager Joe Douglas to do?
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Let’s look at the pros and cons of a potential blockbuster trade:
Pros of the Jets trading Jamal Adams
The obvious positive is that the Jets could obtain quite a bounty in a trade for someone with the ability and leadership qualities that Adams possesses. The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be very interested and Adams would probably welcome a trade to Big D considering her grew up in nearby Lewisville, TX.
If I were Douglas, I would definitely hold out for a first and third-round pick in 2021 in return or a scenario where up-and-coming wide receiver Michael Gallup and a first-round selection in 2021 would be coming back to Gang Green in return for Adams’ services.
Remember, Adams is just entering his prime and is on the fast track to becoming the finest overall safety in the NFL. There is a heavy premium associated with that.
Cons of the Jets trading Jamal Adams
Jets fans would surely hate to part ways with their former first-round selection (number six overall in 2017). Adams is not only a premier strong safety; he’s also quite effective in stopping the run when in the box and he also owns 12 career quarterback sacks, including 6.5 last year (second on the team). He also tied for first on the Jets in QB hits (13) with Jordan Jenkins in 2019.
What Adams also brings to the table, and this can’t be understated, is a burning desire to be the top safety in football while also playing with an intensity and spirit second to none. He is the vocal and emotional leader of their defense and that game day attitude would be sorely missed if he was sent packing.
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Although Douglas would receive quite a windfall in return from any NFL team, let’s hope the Jets can work out their current impasse and keep the flamboyant Adams in tow. He has the ceiling to be a Hall of Fame player if he can remain healthy. How many Jets players can you say that about?