Just a few days ago, we heard that while the Seahawks were expected to give Jamal Adams a deal that would make him the highest-paid safety in the game (eclipsing Justin Simmons‘ $15.25MM AAV), they didn’t want to go north of Bobby Wagner‘s $18MM AAV.
That seemed to create an estimated range for Adams’ new contract, but that doesn’t mean the star safety is on board with that. The two sides are in fact not “close at all” on extension terms, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports. Reporting from earlier this offseason indicated that Adams doesn’t view himself as only a safety, and as such doesn’t want to be confined by the current safety market.
Instead, he wants to be categorized in a unique hybrid market of his own, given his unique positional flexibility. With the historic pass-rushing numbers he’s put up for a defensive back, his feelings are understandable. Adams is viewed as having most of the leverage here due to the fact that Seattle gave up two first-round picks to acquire him from the Jets.
On the other hand he’s due a modest $9.86MM this season, and the Seahawks could always franchise tag him next offseason. Accordingly, an extension still seems likely in the near future. It doesn’t sound like the slow pace of negotiations has created a toxic relationship, as Rapoport said that he doesn’t “expect any issues at all with Adams showing up” to training camp.
The expectation is that Adams will show up for camp on time regardless of the status of contract talks, Rapoport reports. Rapsheet also adds that he still expects a deal to get done one way or the other. “Eventually, this will be a deal that I think both sides will be happy with and Jamal Adams will likely be a very, very rich man.”
This dude is overplaying his hand big time
Jets are smiling right now
Not sure why they’d be smiling when the only All-Pro player they’ve drafted since 2012 is negotiating a market-setting contract with another team. Seems to me like they should be CRYING.
(Also worth noting that the Jets haven’t selected a Pro Bowl player since Adams either.)
Nope. An unhappy Adams is a killer. Seahawk defense was terrible with Adams. He would go nuts nuts if they ever try to franchise him. Happy to move on and enjoy the picks.
They could franchise him for two years before they would pay what he’s asking. They won’t do that but it could be an option.
I think that will probably end up happening because of what they gave up to get Adams. Adams is a player I like but he is asking for way more than he’s likely to get, and the Seahawks are by far the team most inclined to give the biggest offer.
I’m sure the Jets are enjoying the show!