New York Jets: Extending Jamal Adams’ contract is a no brainer

NY Jets, Jamal Adams (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
NY Jets, Jamal Adams (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have begun contract extension talks with superstar safety Jamal Adams, and it is absolutely the correct move by the team.

It’s crazy to think that just a few months ago, the New York Jets were in trade talks centered around Jamal Adams. Many thought he would be dealt by the trade deadline. Now, it appears the Jets are ready to lock up the All-Pro safety for a long, long time.

Reports emerged Wednesday that the Jets’ front office and Adams’ reps have begun talks regarding a contract extension. They are still in the early phases of discussion, but it seems like a deal will get done at some point this offseason.

Adams confirmed this himself with a tweet shortly after speaking with some media.

Just to clear this up… we’ve had small discussions thus far, not in detailed talks yet, just talked about it. With that being said, I fully expect to be extended this offseason. I want to be in New York! https://t.co/ecJGxIiofG

— Jamal Adams (@Prez) January 29, 2020

Adams is coming off another incredible season, earning his second Pro Bowl nod and being selected to the first All-Pro team of his career. He posted 6.5 sacks, one interception and two touchdowns in his third year in the league.

The Jets drafted Adams under the impression he would become an elite safety in the NFL, and that has clearly came true.

Heading into his fourth season in the league, many believe he is the best safety in the game, and without a doubt has multiple All-Pro nods ahead of him in the future. He’s become the heart and soul of the Jets’ secondary, changing the culture with his style of play and mentality.

And, just for the record, he clearly agrees.

At All! https://t.co/SSjuWwOPIo

— Jamal Adams (@Prez) January 30, 2020

Adams is in line to get paid big time in the near future. Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson set the market for safeties, recently signing a four year, $58.4 million deal with $22 million guaranteed. Adams will almost certainly be getting paid more than that.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, he is looking to pass Jackson’s average salary per year ($14.6 million) and earn much more than $22 million in guarantees.

While speaking to reporters Wednesday, Adams had the following to say about a possible contract extension.

“I’ve proven that I’m the best safety doing it right now. I’m not trying to be paid just to be the highest-paid whatever. I’m trying to get paid for my status and what I’ve done. That’s what I’m about right now”.

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Reminder: this is the same person who compared his value to Aaron Donald‘s and Tom Brady‘s. Bottom line is, he wants to get paid.

Whatever number Adams is looking for in a new deal, Joe Douglas should not hesitate to offer it. When you come across a future perennial All-Pro safety, especially one with as much love and passion for New York as Adams does, you don’t let them walk.

Simple as that.

He’s the type of player you build a defense around. His playmaking ability is amongst the elite, and he is one of, if not the most versatile safety in football.

Not many safeties can change a game individually, but Adams did that on multiple occasions in 2019. He is exactly the type of player Gregg Williams loves to use and should be a member of the Jets for the rest of his career. Period.

Jets fans should expect Jamal Adams to be locked up for at least four more years by the end of this offseason, and they should be stoked about it.

Next. New York Jets: 7-round 2020 mock draft, post-Senior Bowl edition

The best safety of football wants to be a Jet, and he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.