Jamal Adams is open to a reunion with his former head coach and current Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
Adams has added Tampa Bay to his list of teams that he’d prefer to be traded too, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Adams’ wishlist already included the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.
Bowles coached Adams for the first two years of his career before the Jets moved on from Bowles after the 2018 season. The two have a very close relationship and Adams was vocal in his support for the coach following what ultimately became Bowles’ last game with the Jets in 2018.
The issue with a reunion is that the Bucs have less than $5 million in available cap space. So if Adams did end up in Tampa Bay, he wouldn’t be able to get an extension right away. However, there are certain teams Adams wouldn’t ask for an extension from upon arrival, according to the Dallas News’ Calvin Watkins. It is unknown if the Buccaneers could be one of those teams.
The Jets have made it clear that they do not intend to trade Adams and want him to be part of their future. Yet, the Jets feel now is not the time to pay Adams given that he has two years left on his rookie deal and up to four more years of team control. There’s also the possibility that the salary cap number takes a hit next offseason due to COVID-19.
Adams, however, wants his contract extension now. He has certainly out-performed his rookie deal with two Pro Bowl appearances and a first-team All-Pro selection. Adams is seeking to be the highest-paid safety in the league and possibly one of the highest-paid defensive players as well.
Ultimately, it’s up to general manager Joe Douglas. If Douglas trades Adams, he’s not going to get a bag of balls in return. So if Tampa Bay wants Adams, its going to have to pay a hefty price to get him.