Former Jets All-Pro was just handed one last shot at NFL redemption

Jamal Adams is getting one last shot at salvaging his NFL career. The ex-New York Jets All-Pro safety has reportedly signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with his former head coach Pete Carroll in what feels like a final opportunity to prove he can still play at this level.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that Adams is in “excellent shape” and the “healthiest he’s been in years.” Of course, it's hard to decipher between genuine reporting and training camp speak at this stage of the summer. Time will tell if that’s enough.

For Jets fans, it’s hard not to reflect on Adams' tenure with the organization. Adams was once the face of the franchise — a first-team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and the team’s unquestioned defensive leader.

Of course, his downfall was as swift as his rise. From public shots at the organization to a messy, very public trade demand, Adams’ premature exit from New York understandably turned the majority of the Jets' fan base against him.

But in hindsight, the trade that sent him to Seattle will go down as one of the best in franchise history.

Jamal Adams just landed one final NFL opportunity

It's easy to forget now, but there was a time not too long ago when Adams was arguably the best safety in the NFL. The sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Adams earned three Pro Bowl nods and three consecutive All-Pro selections from 2018 to 2020.

Unfortunately, his relationship with the Jets soured rather quickly. Adams publicly demanded a trade after growing frustrated with the team’s direction and then-head coach Adam Gase, calling out teammates and coaches on his way out. It was as ugly of a split as you can imagine.

New general manager Joe Douglas made the best of a volatile situation, flipping Adams to the Seahawks in a blockbuster deal that netted New York two first-round picks and a third.

One of those first-rounders turned into Garrett Wilson, now one of the best young receivers in football. The other was used to trade up for Alijah Vera-Tucker, a core piece of the Jets’ offensive line. Adams' career in Seattle didn't follow the same trajectory as his replacements in New York.

The former LSU star's time with the Seahawks was marred by injuries and declining play. He flashed in 2020, finishing the year with an NFL DB-record 9.5 sacks, but never replicated that impact. His coverage issues became harder to hide, and after three rocky seasons, Seattle moved on.

Since then, Adams hasn't done much. He signed with the Titans in July 2024 but played just 20 snaps across three games before landing on the reserve/non-football injury list. He requested his release in October. The Lions picked him up later that year, but Adams played only two games and was cut by January.

Now, the Raiders have thrown him a lifeline, as he reunites with his former Seahawks coach, Pete Carroll, who has provided him with perhaps one last NFL opportunity.

Whether Adams can stay healthy and contribute remains to be seen, but this is likely his final chance to extend an NFL career that once seemed destined for Canton.

It’s a far cry from where things began in New York. But even as Adams chases redemption in Vegas, the Jets continue to reap the rewards of a trade that changed their franchise’s trajectory. Maybe it's time to let bygones be bygones?

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