Grading the Jamal Adams trade for the Seahawks and Jets

The Seattle Seahawks gave up a bit too much in the Jamal Adams trade.

The outlook for the Seattle Seahawks defense prior to this trade was relatively bleak. Many people have voiced their concerns about the pass rush and the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure. Just as much, there have been equal amounts of concern expressed about the secondary and their inability to make game-changing plays.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Jamal Adams obviously changes the latter part of that equation. The top-10 pick from the 2018 NFL Draft comes into the fold as one of the most versatile players that the NFL has seen in quite some time. He has the ability to drop into coverage, to come down into the box and defend the run, the blitz or rush the passer from various looks or even go into the nickel and cover. In any role, he’s highly effective and will help Seattle in a big way.

But is that worth what they gave up?

For all of Adams’ talent and versatility — and even with the fact that Seattle has a minimum of two years of control left on his rookie contract before having to sign him to a long-term extension — the Seahawks gave up too much to get him.

While Schneider’s recent track record in the draft, particularly with early selections, has been troublesome, the fact is that there are more chances to get defenders that can build a complete defense as opposed to a safety who can wear a lot of hats, no matter how good he is. Giving up three top-100 selections over the next two years in addition to a quality player in McDougald is far too aggressive of a price to pay.