The Jets have a habit of trading All-Pro defensive players.
They did so again on Saturday when they sent disgruntled safety Jamal Adams packing in a blockbuster deal with the Seahawks. The Jets sent a fourth-round pick in 2022, along with Adams, to Seattle in exchange for fellow safety in Bradley McDougald, a first-round pick in 2021, a third-round pick in 2021 and a first-round pick in 2022.
With Adams bound for Seattle, the Jets have now had three All-Pro defensive players since 2000. All three have been traded. John Abraham and Darrelle Revis are the other two. Like Adams, their careers in New York included contract stalemates and then trades.
Abraham, a pass-rusher that the Jets are still looking to replace, grew frustrated with New York placing its franchise tag on him in 2005. In response, he sat out training camp. New York placed the franchise tag on Abraham again in 2006. With the two sides unable to strike a satisfactory deal, the Jets shipped Abraham to Atlanta in exchange for the 29th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, which the Jets turned into Nick Mangold.
Revis, arguably the greatest defensive player in the history of the franchise, had multiple contract disputes during his first stint with the Jets. Playing at a high level and unhappy with the terms of his rookie contract, Revis held out in 2010, missing all of training camp. The Jets ultimately made him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Two seasons later, however, Revis insinuated that he was not happy with the terms of that contract, but did not hold out during training camp. Revis then tore his ACL during the 2012 season and was shipped to Tampa Bay in exchange for a 2013 first-round pick (Sheldon Richardson) and a 2014 fourth-round pick (Jalen Saunders).
Adams, much like Abraham and Revis, sealed his own fate when he publicized a contract dispute with the franchise this offseason. Between requesting a trade and badmouthing the organization, he did all he could to force his way out.
Out of all of these trades, the Jets got the best package for Adams, who is still just 24 years old and in the prime of his career. In the grand scheme, this was the best move for both sides. New York, which got a great return, no longer has to worry about Adams. The player, meanwhile, joins a contender that will eventually pay him what he wants after parting with so many assets.