Jamal Adams’ future contract demands will be a big factor in any potential trade talks, even if the Jets All-Pro safety wouldn’t request an extension right away if he is traded to certain teams.
It’s believed that Adams is looking to be one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler reports that a team that has looked into acquiring Adams believes he is looking for such a deal, which would pay him well above $20 million per year.
Right now, the elite safety market is below $15 million. The highest-paid safety in the NFL is the Bears’ Eddie Jackson, who is making $14.6 million per season. It was clear after Adams’ All-Pro season that he would be commanding a contract in the neighborhood of Jackson’s extension while most likely surpassing the money per year. What wasn’t clear is that Adams wanted to be among the highest ocmpensated defenders in the league, including on his own team.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Adams was looking to outearn Jets LB C.J. Mosley, who is making $17 million per year. While Adams deserves to be paid, that price-tag doesn’t match up with his positional value.
Adams requested permission to seek a trade and has a list of teams — all playoff contenders — in mind. The problem? The Jets aren’t exactly looking to grant Adams’ trade request. The team has said it has every intention of extending him but with the current NFL economy, New York is looking for Adams to be patient. With Adams’ reported contract demands, it makes it that much harder for the Jets to trade him or even extend him, for that matter.