The Seattle Seahawks traded two first-round picks in the 2021 and 2022 NFL Draft to acquire safety Jamal Adams from the New York Jets in July 2020. Three years later, Adams might not be on the field when Seahawks training camp begins this summer.
Adams, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was a standout in New York. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2018 then made first-team All-Pro the following season. After three years, the former LSU standout publicly criticized head coach Adam Gase and general manager Joe Douglas.
- Jamal Adams contract: $18.11 million cap hit (2023), $23.61 million cap hit (’24)
He was traded to Seattle months later and thrived in his first season. Adams earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection and was named second-team All-Pro, racking up 9.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits in 12 games.
Related: Seattle Seahawks coach provides insight on Jamal Adams’ future with team
The Seahawks rewarded Adams with a four-year contract extension in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid NFL players. In the years since, Adams has been plagued by injuries with a torn quad tendon ending his 2022 campaign in Week 1.
While the Seahawks remain committed to Adams heading into 2023, there remains uncertainty within the organization regarding exactly when he’ll return to the field this year.
During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Seahawks’ general manager John Schneider said he’s unsure if Adams will be cleared to return for training camp and there’s still uncertain with his recovery timeline.
“He’s doing well. The company answer is that we don’t know exactly the timeline. Very bad injury, very unfortunate for Jamal. He’s had two years now where he’s been banged up. We want to be really careful with his progression, so training camp I’m just not sure. We’ll see where he is when he comes in for the OTAs.”
Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider on Jamal Adams’ recovery from a torn quad tendon
Over the last two seasons, Adams has largely been a non-factor in Seattle. He played 13 combined games, recording just two interceptions and three quarterback hits. Injuries have played a significant role in his diminished impact, with a torn labrum (Week 13, 2021) then a torn quad (Week 1, 2022) landing him on season-ending injured reserve.
- Jamal Adams stats (Seattle Seahawks career): 17 QB hits, 15 TFLs, 9.5 sacks in 25 games
When he does return to the field in 2023, Adams will be entering a prove-it year. Seattle can create $16.5 million in cap space next offseason if it designates Adams as a post-June 1 release. While it would leave $7.1 million dead cap charges in consecutive years, the immediate savings would help the Seahawks significantly in NFL free agency.
