The New York Jets have done a poor job of keeping their first-round draft picks past their rookie contracts.
With Jamal Adams traded to Seattle on Saturday, the Jets have now traded away five of their last six first-round draft picks from 2013-2017. The other four players are Sheldon Richardson, Calvin Pryor, Leonard Williams and Darron Lee. Additionally, Dee Milliner, who was drafted by New York before Richardson in 2013, was cut after just 21 games with the Jets.
Out of those players, Adams was without a doubt the most talented. Richardson, who was also dealt to Seattle, has bounced from team to team and is now in Cleveland. Pryor is out of the league, while Lee is a backup for the Chiefs. Williams is with the Giants after being dealt prior to the trade deadline last season.
The Jets have been abysmal when it comes to drafting over the last decade, but Adams was a clear hit from the day he stepped foot inside the training facility. Beloved by fans for his outspokenness and impact play, he could’ve been one of the greatest Jets of all-time.
However, the combination of three losing seasons and a falling out with general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Adam Gase was a breaking point for Adams. He felt Douglas went against his word when he said he wanted to make Adams a “Jet for Life” and negotiate a new deal this offseason. Adams claims a proposal was never sent. Recently, Adams said he didn’t believe Gase was the right leader to take the Jets to a Super Bowl.
With Adams out of the loop now, Douglas has to make the most of the draft capital he received from Seattle — especially the two first-rounders. Maybe they’ll stick around for a second contract in New York.