New York Jets and Jamal Adams at a Crossroad

The New York Jets executives are interested in keeping their safety Jamal Adams long-term, but they are not willing to sacrifice the team’s interests because of it.

Over the recent few days, there have been numerous speculations about Adams’ future. One of the best safeties in the league, who was elected First-team All-Pro for the 2019 season, is reportedly unhappy with his current status.

When the NFL’s voluntary virtual off-season program opens this month, Jets’ All-Pro safety Jamal Adams is not expected to participate, per league sources. The Jets have not expressed any official interest in extending Adams thus far in the off-season, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 17, 2020

He would even decide to skip the Jets’ voluntary virtual program, which only heated the talks about his future. Team’s general manager Joe Douglas stated today that the organization wants to settle things with Adams, but that the team’s interest comes first.

“The plan would be for Jamal to be here long term,” Douglas said. “Again, I’ve also made it known I have to do what’s in the best interest of the team. If other teams call to talk about players, I’ll listen.”

Now, what was pretty fighting for the Jets’ fans was his other comment, which suggested, according to many, that the 24-year old might leave after all.

“Going into this draft, my intent isn’t to move any players. But if a team calls, we’re going to have conversations.”

Douglas wouldn’t say if there has been some interest shown from other teams. During the last trade window, Dallas Cowboys wanted to get their hands Adams, but the Jets refused to give up on him, which eventually made him pretty unhappy.

The player hinted this February, that he wishes an extension arranged pretty soon, and for now, there haven’t been any concrete moves from the other side. This was his third of the four-year rookie deal, worth $22.3 million, all guaranteed. In 2020 which is the final year of the contract, Adams is set to make $3.5 million.

According to sources, his goal is to become the highest-paid safety in the NFL, and allegedly the highest-paid player in the Jets’ locker room. When talking about the most lucrative deals for a safety in the league, Chicago Bears’ Eddie Jackson tops the list with $14.6 million per year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPxFOBPK7Ow

Now what is interesting is that only he and Adams managed to receive two Pro Bowl invitations and to have at least one First-team All-Pro selections in the past two years. Adams had one second-team All-Pro also, which makes him better in that aspect than Jackson.

This is the possible reason for his unhappiness. He would like to cash in his worth right now, while on the other side, the Jets are stalling with negotiations, trying to spare some money.

It would be interesting to see how this situation develops. For now, there isn’t much Adams can do, except to boycott the team’s activities in the future and refuse to play. That is a risky move, and it could have negative effects on his future. Still, on the other hand, it is not in Jets’ best interest to have an unhappy player who could ruin the chemistry, especially if he is one of the best in his position.

Many are suggesting that the franchise wants to see what happens at the upcoming draft and make its move afterward. According to many, this draft will be very interesting, as many teams feel ready to make some agreements and trades. Don’t be so surprised if Jets are one of them.