It’s safe to assume Joe Douglas’ phone will be ringing off the hook in the coming days, weeks and maybe even months now that Jamal Adams has officially requested a trade from the Jets.
Adams reached his breaking point last week, demanding out because New York has yet to give him the lucrative contract extension that he desires. The Jets have not indicated they have any plans to move the All-Pro safety, but if Douglas and company ultimately decide to shop him, there will be no shortage of suitors — even though a hefty asking price and looming contract negotiations might deter some teams from entering the sweepstakes.
A bunch of clubs will inquire about Adams, but there are four that stand head and toe above the rest as ideal fits for both him and the Jets. Let’s take a look at who those teams are and what they can bring to the negotiating table.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After luring Tom Brady away from the Patriots and Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, it’s clear that the Buccaneers are in win-now mode.
Tampa Bay’s window to contend for a Super Bowl won’t be open for long, as Brady is not exactly a spring chicken anymore. Trading for Adams would give the Buccaneers another much-needed key piece to aid their title pursuit. It would also reunite Adams with former Jets head coach Todd Bowles, who is now Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator.
The Buccaneers’ salary cap situation is not ideal right now, as they only have $4.9 million left to spend, according to OverTheCap. However, since Adams is willing to play for a new team without receiving an extension upon arrival, Tampa Bay has some time to clear up cap space to keep him in the Sunshine State long-term. It also has the draft capital to emerge as a suitor Joe Douglas seriously considers doing business with.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have what it takes to dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC, but adding Adams could be enough to make them a Super Bowl favorite.
Pairing Adams with Earl Thomas would give Baltimore the best safety duo in the league by a long shot. With Thomas’ coverage skills and Adams lurking in the box, the Ravens’ defense would evolve into even more of a force than it already is.
Baltimore doesn’t have a surplus of salary cap space right now (only $9.2 million remaining), but that is not an immediate necessity when it comes to landing Adams. It does have enough draft picks to work with and also has the familiarity factor working in its favor with Joe Douglas heading New York’s front office.
Dallas Cowboys
Considering the Cowboys were the first team to inquire about Adams’ availability at last year’s trade deadline, it’s safe to assume Jerry Jones has already dialed Joe Douglas at least once since Thursday.
Dallas has long been considered a potential destination for Adams and he has not exactly shot down the idea of playing for his hometown team. The Cowboys could use a major upgrade at safety and Jones is known for making a splash. This is his time to do just that.
Money is not an issue for the Cowboys. Neither is draft capital, as Dallas has two third-round picks to dangle in trade negotiations. That figures to play a major role on New York’s end given Douglas’ affinity for building through the draft. As long as the Cowboys can make an offer that meets what Douglas is looking for, do not be surprised if the two sides eventually come to terms on a deal.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have yet to garner much attention as a potential landing spot for Adams, but don’t sleep on Seattle’s chances here.
Pete Carroll’s reputation for churning out elite defenses precedes him. He is no stranger to deploying his strong safety in the box, which plays directly to Adams’ strengths. One look at Kam Chancellor’s career in Seattle is all that needs to be seen when it comes to envisioning what Adams could accomplish in Carroll’s scheme.
Russell Wilson isn’t getting any younger. The Seahawks have the draft capital to pony up and make a good offer. If they do that, they will be firmly in the mix to bring Adams out west.
