Announcement: Seahawks Agree Deal To Reunite With Ex-$70.6 Million Star On A Small Contract

The Seattle Seahawks could be a suitable destination for a former athlete.

According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, former Seahawks safety Jamal Adams might be a “bargain-bin” free agent who can aid the team in 2024. Despite being dismissed by the Seahawks this offseason, the 28-year-old has been given the option of returning. As Knox points out, Adams, who can also play hybrid linebacker, might serve as a rotating safety under incoming head coach Mike MacDonald.

“A return to Seattle would make some sense, as Adams would be an intriguing chess piece for new head coach Mike Macdonald,” writes Macdonald. “His Baltimore Ravens defense regularly used a three-safety rotation in 2023 with Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Geno Stone.”

Jamal Adams Has Been Plagued by Injuries Past 2 Years

The Seahawks acquired the three-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro safety from the New York Jets before the 2020 season, making him perhaps the greatest in the NFL at the moment. Seattle traded two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and safety Bradley McDougald to get Adams.

Adams had a spectacular debut season in Seattle, recording 83 tackles and 9.5 sacks, setting an NFL record for a defensive back. He also earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro season.

After a successful debut season with the Seahawks, Adams signed a four-year contract worth $70.6 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

However, Adams has struggled during the last two seasons. Adams, who did not record a sack during the 2021 season, has been hampered by ailments in recent years. He hasn’t recorded a sack in the last couple of years despite being limited to only 10 games. Adams suffered a torn quad tendon in the 2022 season opening and was sidelined with head and knee injuries in 2023.

He was released with two years and $34 million remaining (none of which was guaranteed) on his contract after the season.

Why Seahawks Would Benefit From Reunion With Jamal Adams

Adams may not be the player he was three years ago, but he can still contribute as a versatile defender and rotational player on a small salary. Adams may now begin with a clean slate after the great expectations that surrounded his release. According to Knox, the seven-year safety will most likely have to accept a “short-term, prove-it deal” in order to turn around his career.

“There was a time when adding Adams on the open market would have been anything but a bargain,” Knox points out. “After three disappointing campaigns, though, he’ll likely need to settle for a short-term, prove-it deal for an opportunity to reestablish his market value.”

With the Seahawks starting under a new regime led by the defensive-minded Macdonald – the Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in points allowed last season under his lead – it could give Adams the opportunity to revive his career.

Considering it would be a “bargain” deal, Seattle has nothing to lose by bringing back their former defensive star.