New York Jets: Jamal Adams on pace for historic pay day this offseason

Jamal Adams is about to be paid a ransom by the New York Jets this offseason. Here’s how much he’ll make and why it’s worth it for the green and white.

Jamal Adams claims to be the best safety in the NFL, this offseason he’s going to be paid like it.

For the first time in his NFL career, Jamal will be eligible for a fat contract extension from the New York Jets.

Technically Adams still has a year left on his deal for 2020 (fifth-year option) and will be under team control through the potential franchise tag game for many years to come. Although it would behoove the team to sign him sooner rather than later.

At 24 years of age, Jamal is the face of the franchise for the green and white. He’s the heart and soul of the defense and at first opportunity, the team should pay the man.

How much will it cost?

Currently, the highest-paid safety in the league is Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans.

This offseason he signed a five-year $70 million deal which featured a $9 million signing bonus, $19.6 guaranteed at signing, $31 million in total guarantees, with an average salary of $14.1 million.

Those numbers are lovely and that’s where the conversation will start between Jamal and the New York Jets.

A lot of people have argued that the safety position is a luxury because it doesn’t have a significant enough impact on the game.

So far in 2019, Jamal Adams has 56 tackles, nine quarterback hits, six sacks, an interception, two touchdowns, and two forced fumbles.

#LetJamalBlitz pic.twitter.com/B5r91r0gCI

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 17, 2019

Is that impacting the game enough for you?

Jamal already has the single-season team record for sacks by a defensive back with six and he’s just two away from tying an NFL record in that category.

Acting owner Christopher Johnson said that he wants Jamal to “be a Jet for life” in his conversation with local media. Jamal Adams reiterated that when he was asked.

Although as Johnson noted, it’s all in the hands of general manager Joe Douglas. This is the biggest decision of Douglas’ young career and will set a tone for the rest of his tenure based on his decision. It’s time to pay up or shut up in 2020.