The Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets have reached an agreement on a blockbuster trade. The centerpiece of the deal is star safety Jamal Adams, who has been named a First-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler.
In addition to Adams, the Jets are sending a fourth-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft. In return, Seattle will send safety Bradley McDougald, a 2021 first-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2021 third-round pick to the Jets.
Adams, 24, was selected by the Jets with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His rookie contract lists a team option for 2021 before he hits free agency in 2022, but this trade likely comes with an extension that allows the Seahawks to lock up Adams long-term.
He appeared in 14 games with the Jets last year, forcing two fumbles and accumulating one pick-six. He also had a scoop-and-score fumble recovery touchdown. Adams also defended seven passes, made 75 total tackles, and racked up 6.5 sacks.
Adams requested a trade earlier this offseason and spoke out against the Jets various times, showing displeasure in their ownership, front office, and coaching staffs. Although complaining doesn’t always solve problems, the Jets had no choice but to trade Adams after he lashed out against various members of New York’s brass.
Adams bumps Quandre Diggs out of the starting strong safety role in Seattle, although Diggs will presumably make the transition to starting free safety. Lano Hill, Marquise Blair, and Ugo Amadi round out the next level of the depth chart at the safety position.
The Seahawks are expected to be a fierce competitor in 2020 and will drastically boost their status with the addition of Seattle. Perhaps the new favorites to win the NFC title, Seattle now has an elite offense and defense and should pose a serious threat to the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
McDougald, meanwhile, lands a starting role in New York with Adams heading the other way. He is a hybrid safety but has spent more time recently in the strong safety role. The seven-year veteran appeared in 15 games last year (14 starts). He posted 70 tackles, half a sack, one fumble forced, one fumble recovered, six passes defended, and two interceptions. He will battle with Marcus Maye and Ashtyn Davis for the two starting safety jobs this summer, but the latter will likely be the odd man out.
The Jets were already due to have a frustrating 2020 season and will surely see that frustration expand during the season.
The Jets and Seahawks will meet in Seattle during a Week 15 clash on Dec. 13, 2020, at 4:05 p.m. on CBS. All eyes will be on Adams against his ex-teammates.
