With Jamal Adams signing with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent on Thursday, it is important to remember the impact the safety had on the New York Jets.
Most notably and perhaps most important for the Jets was the haul of picks that the organization received in exchange for Adams.
That’s no slam or slight on Adams, who was wonderfully impactful for the Jets and a most unique weapon on their defense. But Adams was so coveted around the NFL for his unique skillset that he was more valuable to the Jets as a trade asset rather than as a star on their defense.
Four years ago this month, the Jets sent Adams and a 2022 fourth-round pick for the Seattle Seahawks’ first-round picks in 2021 and 2022 as well as a third-round pick in 2021. The Jets also obtained safety Bradley McDougald in the trade.
The Jets used the selections obtained from Seattle to kickstart their rebuild.
- They used the first-round pick they obtained from Seattle in the 2021 NFL draft (No. 23 overall as well as the third-round pick from the trade) as part of another trade package to move up in the draft and select guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The offensive lineman was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team and has been rock solid for the franchise.
- In the 2022 NFL draft, the Jets used Seattle’s first-round pick (No. 10 overall) to select Garrett Wilson. The wide receiver was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Both trades have worked out very well for the Jets and have been pivotal in revamping the offensive line.
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Adams is set for his eighth season in the NFL, having spent the first three with the Jets. He was a Pro Bowl selection his final two years in New York.
Since being traded by the Jets, he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 during his first year in Seattle. He hasn’t been a Pro Bowl or an All-Pro selection since.