NY Jets: 10 trade packages for Jamal Adams ahead of the NFL Draft

If the NY Jets are going to trade safety Jamal Adams ahead of the NFL Draft, here are 10 trade packages they should consider pulling the trigger on.

It wouldn’t be an NFL offseason without some NY Jets drama.

On Friday morning Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Gang Green safety Jamal Adams planned on skipping the voluntary virtual offseason programs that were recently approved by the NFL and the NFLPA.

If that wasn’t enough, Schefter added that the NY Jets “haven’t expressed any official interest” in extending him so far this offseason.

That reiterates what general manager Joe Douglas mentioned publically at the NFL Combine. The Jets’ sole focus at that time and moving forward was the 2020 NFL Draft and they would worry about the Jamal Adams situation after.

Apparently, that wasn’t soon enough for Jamal or his representation.

Schefter added on Twitter that Jamal is a name “to monitor” during draft week for potential trade speculation. Last year at the NFL trade deadline, Adams’ name surfaced in the rumor mill and was nearly dealt.

That caused a rift between Jamal and the Jets’ front office. Ultimately it was ruled a massive miscommunication and the situation was eventually resolved with both sides committing to Jamal “being a Jet for life.”

One way or another the Jets have to make a decision: re-sign Jamal Adams to a fat long-term extension or trade him to the highest bidder.

Technically they don’t have to make that choice ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Jets still have Jamal under contract for the next two seasons minimum (including his fifth-year option) and if they so chose could use the franchise tag up to three consecutive times after that. So, in other words, the Jets have firm control of this situation, but Jamal could make things messy if he so chooses.

Although if the Jets decide to trade him off, we built 10 trade packages that could entice the team to make a deal ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Next: 10. Chicago Bears

Before we get too deep into this massive breakdown, it must be stated: the NY Jets should retain Jamal Adams. He’s a transcendent player that the team selected and developed out of LSU. Jamal has transformed into one of the best safeties in all of football and is now considered one of the faces of the Jets’ franchise.

While the Jets shouldn’t trade their home-grown star, it’s very likely that they do.

Here’s a fun fact from the founder of Over The Cap, Jason:

“The NY Jets have the least amount of homegrown players on the roster (22 players). A homegrown player is someone that signed their first contract with a team and is still playing there. The next two closest teams are the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns who each have 26 homegrown players. The league average is 34 players and the Jets are well under that threshold.”

Historically speaking, the Jets have refused to pay their own players, hopefully, that changes with Jamal Adams. If it doesn’t, here is our first package to consider.

The Chicago Bears don’t own a 2020 1st round pick (thanks to the Khalil Mack trade) so executing a potential deal for Jamal Adams will be difficult. In any proposed deal, an opposing team will have to include at least one first-round draft choice (and some).

In this specific case, the Jets get a pair of second-rounders that can immediately help the team out this year and a future first-round draft choice that could prove quite valuable in 2021. We considered the roster to see if there were any players that could make sense, but nothing jumped out.

This would give the NY Jets six picks in the top-79 including a first-rounder, three second-round picks, and two third-rounders.

Next: 9. Carolina Panthers

In most of these deals, we try to get a bit more creative than just exchanging draft selections. It’s hard to find a deal that’ll give appropriate value regardless for what Jamal Adams offers on and off the field, but here’s our best bet with the Carolina Panthers.

They hold the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft which would provide the NY Jets an opportunity at one of the best offensive tackles available. In theory, plugging and playing someone on the blindside would allow George Fant and Chuma Edoga to battle it out for the right tackle job.

Also in this deal, the green and white would receive a third-round draft choice. That would provide the NY Jets three thirds in this year’s draft (an opportunity at adding a wide receiver potentially for Sam Darnold).

On top of all of that, the green and white would add a young cornerback with a ton of upside. Donte Jackson is only 24 years old and in his two years in the league, has already produced at an insane level (seven interceptions).

The Jets need more help at corner after cutting ties with Darryl Roberts and Trumaine Johnson this offseason. They did re-sign Brian Poole to lock up the slot position and the team added Pierre Desir formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. But Jackson could add a young option that could be plug-and-play in the Jets’ secondary for many years to come.

Next: 8. NY Giants

Hey, the NY Jets and the NY Giants cracked a deal in 2019, why can’t they do it again? This potential trade would be almost as bad as Big Blue passing up Sam Darnold for Saquon Barkley.

If the Jets traded their superstar safety to the Giants and he went on to great success, the Jets would never be able to live it down. But you have to admit, this would be a pretty tempting offer.

The Giants’ fourth overall pick is worth a whopping 1800 points per the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart. With that potential selection, the team could add a blue-chip prospect to accelerate the rebuild. Or they could trade back and receive a bounty of picks from a quarterback-needy team trying to move up the board.

In addition to that top-four pick, in this proposed deal, the Jets would acquire a young promising interior offensive lineman in Will Hernandez. The 6-foot-2, 300+ pound mauler is still young (24 years old) and is coming off of a disappointing 2019 campaign in year No. 2.

You could argue that the NY Jets could get even more back in this proposed deal. Jamal Adams originally was a sixth overall pick and he’s more than lived up to the hype. So shouldn’t the Jets get at least that back in return?

Next: 7. Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of ammunition and is a team looking to make a splash as they move from Oakland to Vegas. They will have a new stadium, they’ll need to sell jerseys, and create a brand new brand of silver and black.

Jamal Adams could deliver that in spades. The head coach and general manager combination of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden highly value leadership and intangibles. Adams has the abilities of a quarterback in that regard.

So what would the Jets be getting in return?

This package would deliver a premium 12th overall pick and two Day 2 picks (one in 2020 and one in 2021). There is the potential for a blockbuster deal where the NY Jets receive both of the Raiders’ first-round draft picks (12 and 19) in this year’s draft, but it may force the green and white to send something back potentially to Vegas.

While a lot of Jets fans will be upset if the team trades Jamal because he’s such a cerebral player, the argument for trading him involves adding to positions of need (offensive line, edge rusher, or wide receiver).

Next: 6. Philadelphia Eagles

The NY Jets have a ton of needs, but if we boiled it down to one term, they need playmakers. Jamal Adams is arguably the best playmaker on the team with his ability to deliver punishing hits, create sacks, or jar the football loose.

But at the end of the day, he is only one man. In any of these proposed deals, the Jets are getting multiple pieces back whether that be future draft compensation or players that can step in and make a difference right now.

This trade is somewhat underwhelming because the Philadelphia Eagles lack the proper goods. Their first and second-round picks are late and instead of opting for a 2021 selection, we decided to add something that can help out Sam Darnold today.

While the team has Le’Veon Bell in the fold heading into next year, many fans are confused about the lack of depth at the position. Sure Bell is a dynamic player and will inevitably be better in 2020 with some offensive line help and some improved play calling, but they’ll need another man to share the workload. Running back is arguably the most underrated need for the NY Jets heading into this year’s draft.

A guy that showed a lot of flash in 2019 is youngster Miles Sanders. He’s only 22 years old (will be 23 by the start of the 2020 season) and he has all the abilities in the world to be a yin to the yang of Bell in the temporary. Then eventually when this peacock gets his wings he can fly on his own.

When you watch the tape he comes off as a poor man’s Christian McCaffrey. A player that can run and catch the football effectively. Miles Sanders could be what Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery couldn’t in 2019.

Next: 5. Miami Dolphins

The #Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25 feat former #NFL GM @mlombardiNFL:– Takes us inside an #NFLDraft war room on draft day.– Biggest Q w/ Tua Tagovailoa isn't what you think it is.– Does a virtual draft put more pressure on GMs in the league?#TakeFlighthttps://t.co/YIDsknhRB4

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) April 15, 2020

It’s fair to mention right off the top that inter-divisional trades are extremely rare. No one likes to help out their competitors, that’s not sound business. But you should never say never.

We recently discussed why the Miami Dolphins “are the most dangerous team” in the 2020 NFL Draft. They are armed with a league-high 14 selections in the upcoming class including a whopping three first-rounders.

With that kind of immediate ammo, the Jets would be foolish not to consider a call from south beach.

Again similar to the NY Giants trade discussion we mentioned earlier when/if you made a trade like this it will come with an extra level of scrutiny. If Jamal Adams was to find success or dominate at his new spot, NY Jets fans and members of the front office would never hear the end of it.

But just imagine the tables being turned and all of the sudden the NY Jets have three first-round picks in this year’s draft. With so many holes at a variety of positions including: edge rusher, cornerback, offensive line overall, backup quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, the more picks the merrier.

While the Dolphins having that many picks is cool on the surface, it isn’t about who has the most picks, it’s about what you can do with them. An area Miami has struggled in over the years.

Jamal Adams is a proven commodity. Draft picks are relative unknowns and educated guessing in a weird NFL lottery system. Especially in a year like the one we’re experiencing where information isn’t as readily available as it has been in the past, maybe it would just be better to trade away those picks and get someone you know is going to come in and contribute like Jamal.

Next: 4. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly looking to move back from the 10th overall pick to acquire more capital and/or some players. If the NY Jets were able to pull this off they’d own back-to-back first-round picks at 10th and 11th overall.

That can be extremely powerful and is reminiscent of when the team pulled off the same feat over 20 years ago when they had four selections in the first round in the 2000 draft. Back then the team selected Shaun Ellis and John Abraham with the 12th and 13th overall picks respectively. Hopefully this time the team can double-dip offense because boy could they use it.

Speaking of offense there’s been a lot of speculation that veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr could be had if the price is right. The Browns have completely revamped their front office (stop me if you’ve heard that before) and no longer have any direct ties to OBJ. Which always makes it easier to trade a player.

Beckham Jr, if dealt, would be sold incredibly low. He’s coming off the worst season of his career in a year where he started at least 15 games. Despite that, OBJ is still young (27) and when healthy has proven to be one of the most dynamic weapons in all of football.

The No. 1 priority this offseason is to surround Sam Darnold with as much talent as possible to put him in the best position to succeed. Adding OBJ and the 10th overall pick would go a long way towards accomplishing that feat.

Next: 3. Baltimore Ravens

Quite frankly this would be totally unfair. The Baltimore Ravens are already considered one of the top Super Bowl favorites heading into the 2020 season thanks to a litany of stars including but not limited to Lamar Jackson, Hollywood Brown, and an array of defensive studs.

Just imagine a safety duo of Earl Thomas and Jamal Adams. That pairing would instantly become the best in all of football.

The Ravens are on the cusp of a potential dynasty with their proven head coach and with a win-now team. Baltimore is a team that is willing to risk it to get the biscuit.

This trade would be highly enticing for the NY Jets because all of these assets could help the team immediately. As opposed to some of these other potential deals, they don’t have to wait for future draft picks to come through, they can see the immediate fruits of their labor.

From that standpoint this deal is very unique, while the first-round pick is at the backend of round one, you get a pair of second-rounders that could be very valuable in this historically deep draft class at the wide receiver position.

The Jets would at a bare minimum double-dip in every round on the first two days of the 2020 NFL Draft: a pair of first-rounders, three second-rounders, and a pair of third-rounders. They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with this kind of ammunition Joe Douglas could turn this Jets roster around very quickly.

Next: 2. Jacksonville Jaguars

The NY Jets have already inquired about a potential deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars for pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Here’s one that could make a ton of sense.

The fact of the matter is Ngakoue is currently unsigned, but the team controls his rights thanks to the franchise tag. He has stated that he doesn’t want to play in Jacksonville anymore and he’s ready for a fresh start.

There are several premiums in today’s day and age of football: quarterbacks, offensive tackles, cornerbacks, and of course edge rushers. Ngakoue is one of the youngest and most dynamic pass rushers in the entire league.

The Jets could fill the hole that’s been on their roster since John Abraham left the team over a decade and change ago. In addition, they’d receive a top-10 pick where a lot of different options could be on the board.

So here’s why this deal actually makes sense.

Ngakoue is under contract and whatever team trades for him will have to compensate the Jaguars in terms of draft compensation. In addition to that the new team will have to hand a contract extension immediately to Yannick. That inherently lessens his value.

Jamal Adams is more valuable for a few reasons. He still has two years left on his rookie contract in 2020 and 2021 (thanks to the fifth-year option). Which means he is at a great bargain and can transform a secondary for the next decade.

Next: 1. Dallas Cowboys

The team that is most desperate to land superstar safety Jamal Adams is the Dallas Cowboys. Big D believes they’re in the midst of a championship window and Jerry Jones is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

The team flirted with a potential Jamal Adams trade near the NFL Trade Deadline, but they weren’t willing to pay the piper. Recently there have been some reports that suggest the Cowboys will be making another aggressive push to try and land Adams.

If they’re serious this time around, then let’s get serious.

At a bare minimum, the 17th overall pick has to be included in any deal and in addition to that the team will either require a few more Day 2 picks (round two or three). Instead of slogging through more potential trades involving unknown draft picks, the Jets can land a premier left tackle in Tyron Smith.

He’s under contract for the next four seasons at an average of $11 million per season. Tyron is still 29 years old and could plug-and-play at left tackle for the NY Jets immediately. If there’s any deal out there that can add to the team’s draft capital and protect their franchise quarterback Sam Darnold.

Why would the Cowboys be interested in this deal?

Dallas is up against the cap (trading Tyron could create some room) and any team acquiring Jamal Adams will likely have to compensate him with a fat contract extension. Plus according to NFL Insiders, the proposed trade talks between the Cowboys and Jets initially included multiple high draft picks and Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin.

Know this, if the Jets decide to move Jamal Adams, it’ll require a blockbuster deal of epic proportions. They won’t simply give one of their best players away for nothing. This would likely be the most enticing deal of them all.