The New York Jets and star safety Jamal Adams have reportedly hit a roadblock in continuing contract negotiations.
The saga continues…
Despite optimistic attitudes and quotes at the dawn of the offseason, Jamal Adams isn’t really feeling the love. He and the New York Jets are stuck in a stalemate position as it pertains to contract extension negotiations, according to longtime NFL columnist Gary Myers.
In addition, Myers believes a trade is “very possible.”
Sources told me today Jets have given no indication will sign All-Pro S Jamal Adams to new contract in offseason. Want to wait to make decision. He wants contract now. Stalemate has caused friction & sources said trade very possible. It's expected half the teams will call Jets.
— Gary Myers (@GaryMyersNY) May 21, 2020
“Sources told me today Jets have given no indication will sign All-Pro S Jamal Adams to new contract in offseason. Want to wait to make decision. He wants contract now. Stalemate has caused friction & sources said trade very possible. It’s expected half the teams will call Jets.”
Adams, 24, didn’t hide his disappointment when Joe Douglas refused to immediately hang up the phone when teams called the Jets about the league’s best safety last trade deadline. It led to public emotions and sour feelings.
Jamal Adams confirms that once he found out about a possible trade, he would've "loved to go to" the Cowboys: pic.twitter.com/P3PFsCPyl1
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 30, 2019
Despite the bump in the road, Adams and Douglas seemed to right to the ship. Adams tweeted his wish to be a Jet for life at the conclusion of the season, and Douglas—on multiple occasions—stated the organization’s desire for Adams to play his entire career in New Jersey.
At the end of the week last week, I sat down with the GM and Coach Gase and told them I want to be here in New York. I was told yesterday by my agent that the GM then went behind my back and shopped me around to teams, even after I asked him to keep me here! Crazy business.
— Jamal Adams (@Prez) October 29, 2019
As the offseason progressed, however, it’s been clear things aren’t cozy.
Adams decided to skip the team’s voluntary virtual offseason program. Though voluntary, most pundits believed it was a direct result of not having an extension yet finalized.
From a Jets perspective, it’s a tough thing. The NFL is a value league. The hard salary cap rules all and very few players (no matter the status) get that extension after the third year of a rookie deal (post-Sam Bradford class).
From Adams’ perspective, it makes sense. He is the best safety in the league, the best player on the team, and he deserves a pay raise.
It would be a surprise to see Adams dealt after the 2020 NFL draft, just as it would be shocking to see the man hold out during regular-season action. Stay tuned; this topic isn’t going away anytime soon.
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