The NFL free agent market for safeties has some surprising names still available. Past Pro Bowlers like Jamal Adams to be exact.
Outside of Justin Simmons, Adams is one other past Pro Bowl safety talent still searching for his next league home. Are there any suitors remaining? Turns out some options are remaining for one of the NFL’s top blitzers.
Jamal Adams Free Agency Predictions 2024
Adams was a pre-free agency period release by the Seattle Seahawks. While perceived as a salary cap move on Seattle’s end (Adams and Quandre Diggs both saved the Seahawks $27.5 million in cutting both), Adams had his share of polarizing moments.
Seahawks fans criticized him for his coverage weaknesses. He also got fined for berating an NFL concussion expert after refusing to leave the Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants back on Oct. 2.
Still, there will be defenses seeking an aggressive spark in the secondary who’ll likely look into luring in Adams. Time to sort through the teams that look like his best fit.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are more than set at cornerback with a healthy Trevon Diggs and 2023 record-breaker DaRon Bland.
Safety, however, remains a key need especially with Jayron Kearse having one year left on his current deal. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer may love Adams’ blitzing prowess. Harrison Smith was one blitzing safety Zimmer thrived with during his Minnesota Vikings run.
Philadelphia Eagles
New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is known for applying pressure. That includes using the safety.
With Kevin Byard off to the Chicago Bears, this creates one more safety need on Philly’s end. Perhaps the Eagles turn to the draft to find their safety replacement. But if the Eagles desire someone with a stout background in disrupting plays near the line of scrimmage, Adams can be a fit here.
Baltimore Ravens
Kyle Hamilton could use a fellow enforcer next to him.
Granted, Baltimore may not become too convinced to give a former Seahawk a try following the Ravens’ botched decision to sign Earl Thomas. Adams, though, is capable of still giving an already physical defense an extra rusher from the secondary alongside Hamilton.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Here’s why the Pittsburgh Steelers look appealing for Adams: Mike Tomlin’s past words for the safety.
In 2021, Tomlin called Adams “a unique talent.” But there’s more — Tomlin was interested in drafting the LSU star when watching his Pro Day. But he and the team knew they weren’t drafting high enough to nab him. Now, Tomlin could make up for it with Adams now available.
Atlanta Falcons
This would be a move persuaded by Raheem Morris and new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Morris is quite familiar with Adams’ game from his time with the Los Angeles Rams. But with the incoming Falcons head coach installing the Rams’ exotic defense, he and Lake need a “star” defender who aggressively blitzes and won’t be shy to play close to the line. While Atlanta looks deep in its safety room, Adams looks perfect for the role Jalen Ramsey was given under Morris.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.