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.