According to the latest report, the New York Jets and All-Pro safety Jamal Adams have reached an impasse during contract negotiations. While the Jets prefer to wait on committing to a long-term extensions, Adams wants a deal to be executed prior to the start of the 2020 season.
Adams, 24, is signed through each of the next two seasons. Per rumors, over half of the league may have trade interest in the safety. With that, five teams in particular stand out as trade suitors:
#5. Miami Dolphins
Despite winning only five games during the 2019 season, the Dolphins still managed to surpass expectations. During the 2020 NFL Draft, they built on their momentum by selecting a franchise-changing player in Tua Tagovailoa. In addition, the team added cornerback Byron Jones during free agency.
After trading Minkah Fitzpatrick prior to the trade deadline last season and releasing safety Reshad Jones, there is a clear need for someone of Adams’ caliber in Miami.
With outstanding draft capital, the Dolphins could be a realistic trade suitor for an inner-division trade. The team sits with the seventh-most cap space entering the upcoming season, allowing for the potential long-term extension Adams is seeking.
#4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are a dark horse selection, but could emerge as a potential suitor. Prior to the signing of head coach Adam Gase, the New York Jets’ safety preferred a familiar name in Kliff Kingsbury.
The cap space situation isn’t ideal in Arizona, considering their newest acquisition in DeAndre Hopkins is expected to demand a new contract. However, other players such as Patrick Peterson ($12M) and Larry Fitzgerald ($11.5M) are among the players on expiring contracts.
If the Cardinals are looking to remain competitive in the NFC West, the addition of Adams points them in the right direction.
#3. Dallas Cowboys
Some may expect the Cowboys to appear as the clear favorites to land Adams in trade talks, but it may be smart to pump the brakes. Jerry Jones and company are currently occupied in contract negotiations with Dak Prescott, so the idea of adding another asset in demand of a new contract may be unappealing.
However, it’s hard to ignore that Adams would be a clear upgrade in the Cowboys’ secondary. The team added Ha Ha Clinton-Dix during the offseason, but lost Jeff Heath and other valuable members of the defense to various teams around the league.
With the NFC East being a two-man race between the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, the addition of Adams would make them the clear division favorites. For now, the expectation is that Dallas will properly assess the situation and weigh the risk versus reward.
#2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After constructing a Super Bowl caliber roster, could the Buccaneers make a final splash by trading for Jamal Adams? With Tom Brady playing under a two-year contract, it allows flexibility for Tampa Bay and Adams to agree to an extension in the future.
Last season, the Buccaneers were the third-worst team against the pass and only totaled 12 interceptions. The addition of Adams would certainly be an upgrade from Mike Edwards or Justin Evans in the secondary.
The Buccaneers have multiple tight ends on the roster available for trade (O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate), and would likely unleash additional draft capital in order to pull the trigger.
#1. Cleveland Browns
This would be a calculated, yet successful transaction for a team desperate to make some noise this season. The Browns sit with the most cap space in the NFL, and will still have leftovers after they eventually sign Myles Garrett to a lucrative extension.
The team managed to add Grant Delpit during the 2020 NFL Draft, but sharing a secondary alongside Adams would certainly excel his progression as a player.
The Browns were already the seventh-best team against the pass last season, but it only translated to a 6-10 regular season record. As a team with high expectations, the asking price for Adams is more than worth it.
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