Former All-Pro Reflects on Fallout, Eyes Redemption in New York
Five years after a bitter split with the New York Jets, Jamal Adams is hoping for a second chance with the team that drafted him. “I would love to be back with the Jets and, obviously, finish it the right way,” Adams said Wednesday on The Jets Lounge, via ESPN. “Man, that would be a dream come true, just to patch up that relationship and kind of make it right.”
Once a Rising Star, Adams’ Tenure with Jets Ended in Controversy
Adams was once considered a cornerstone of the Jets’ defense. Selected sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a leader in the secondary. In just his second year, he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. By 2019, he had advanced to first-team All-Pro while collecting his second Pro Bowl nod.
Despite his on-field production, Adams requested a trade during the 2020 offseason. He publicly criticized general manager Joe Douglas and questioned head coach Adam Gase’s leadership. The growing tensions led to a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks, in which the Jets received two first-round draft picks in return.
Seattle Start Strong, Then Marred by Injuries
Adams’ debut season in Seattle showed promise. He earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection and posted a career-best 9.5 sacks. However, injuries soon disrupted his momentum.
In 2021, he tore a labrum and missed the final five games of the season. The following year, he suffered a torn quad in the season opener, sidelining him for the rest of the year. Between 2020 and 2023, Adams appeared in only 34 of a possible 67 games before being released by the Seahawks.
Short-Term Stints with Titans and Lions
Adams signed with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2024 season but was inactive for their opener due to a hip injury. He later requested his release in October, which the team granted. He then joined the Detroit Lions and played in two games before being released in January.
Now a free agent again, Adams is reflecting on the events that led to his departure from New York and what he might have done differently. “My biggest regret is me and Joe Douglas never speaking,” Adams said.
“We never spoke on the phone one time. We never spoke in person one time before this trade happened. And that’s where I wish we could have that back, because I can’t speak for him but I didn’t go about it the right way at that time.”
Changing Landscape Could Open Door
The Jets too have endured a rough stretch since Adams’ exit, failing to post a winning season. Gase was dismissed after the 2020 season, and Douglas was let go during the 2024 campaign. With those figures gone, Adams may find fewer personal obstacles in his path.
There’s also a new connection on the coaching staff: Aaron Glenn, who briefly coached Adams in Detroit, is now the Jets’ head coach.
Veteran Presence in a Competitive Secondary
New York’s current safety lineup includes Tony Adams and free-agent addition Andre Cisco, both with starting experience. The team also drafted Malachi Moore in the fourth round to bolster the group, which already benefits from a strong cornerback corps.
Despite the competition, Adams believes he can contribute both on the field and as a mentor. “[I would] just come in as a seasoned vet, give game to the young cats and help in any way, shape or form I can,” he said.
“I know I can still play football. I’m healthy and I know I can impact the game in a lot of ways. I just need that fair opportunity to come in and show what I can do.”
