Earlier this offseason, Joe Douglas went out of his way to state that he wants to make Jamal Adams a Jet for life. Now, with speculation over the safety’s future swirling once again ahead of the draft, the general manager reiterated that point on Monday.
Douglas, talking on a conference call, said he plans to “keep Jamal here for a long time.” Adams made news last week when it was reported that he plans on skipping New York’s virtual offseason program, but Douglas was quick to note that the program is optional.
It’s no secret that Adams is in search of a contract extension that would place him among the game’s highest-paid safeties. There has not been much traction on that front since preliminary talks early in the offseason, but Douglas said that he plans on reaching out to Adams after the draft. The GM added that, while he’ll always listen to trade offers, his “intent is not to move any players” during the draft.
Adams’ future with the Jets first came into question during the 2019 season when he found out Douglas was listening to trade offers for him. Adams took the news personally, which led to him not speaking to Douglas and Adam Gase for a short time. The damage done from that situation seems to be resolved and both sides have expressed interest in getting an extension done, but soon it will be time for more than just talk.
With Adams already set to skip the virtual offseason program, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he holds out from more down the road if a deal doesn’t get done. The Jets, however, don’t necessarily have to rush things. Adams still has one guaranteed year left on his rookie deal, as well as his fifth-yer team option. The Jets could always franchise tag him after that.
Obviously, that scenario is not desirable for either side, and it’s clear that Adams wants to get paid sooner rather than later. Whether or not he and Douglas can agree on a new deal in such a time frame remains to be seen, but the general manager at least seems open to it this offseason.
