It feels like this conversation emerges every year.
“Should the New York Jets give Jamal Adams a second chance?”
That question has commonly circulated on Jets social media over the past couple of weeks, as it has for a few years in a row.
There seems to be an even divide in Jetland.
Half of the fanbase seems to be open to giving the former No. 6 overall pick another chance, while the other half believes the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
The self-proclaimed “Prez” has continued to actively campaign on X for a return to the Jets.
Here’s why it’s worth giving Adams a second opportunity in the Big Apple.
Why an Adams reunion makes perfect sense in 2026
Adams’ exit from Florham Park was ugly, and, as he himself has admitted, immature.
However, it’s been six years, and it’s time to turn the page. While things ended poorly, it does not change the fact that Adams is undoubtedly a top-two safety in Jets history, right next to Victor Green. With two All-Pro nods, Adams has a case for the No. 1 spot.
Now that Adams has matured and admitted his mistakes, the Jets can let bygones be bygones. He can be recognized as one of the most accomplished defensive backs in Jets history. That should allow New York to evaluate him just like any other free agent.
Currently, a reunion makes too much sense not to happen, given the Jets’ positional needs.
Ever since he was drafted by the Jets, Adams has been constantly used in the box as a blitzing safety, which some call a “rover.” Last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, though, he made the full-time switch to linebacker.
In that role, Adams played fairly well. His overall grade of 67.3 from Pro Football Focus ranked 33rd among 88 qualified linebackers, while his 69.2 coverage grade finished 15th.
Across 17 games (4 starts), Adams logged 448 defensive snaps, recording 45 total tackles (5 for loss) and one forced fumble.
Adams continued to be effective as a blitzer, which has always been among his top strengths. On 35 pass-rush snaps, he generated seven total pressures (20% pressure rate), including a sack and a hit.
As for his maligned coverage, Adams fared respectably well at the linebacker spot. Across 247 snaps in coverage, Adams was targeted 38 times, but he allowed just 211 yards and one touchdown. He allowed the fewest yards per reception among linebackers (5.9).
Adams’ main issue was tackling, as he was charged with 12 missed tackles throughout the year. His 21.4% missed tackle rate was tied for the second-highest among qualified LBs (minimum 300 snaps).
At linebacker, the Jets lack proven depth. They have Demario Davis, who has remained one of the top LBs in football as he’s gotten older, while the team is hoping Jamien Sherwood can bounce back this year with less responsibility, as Davis is expected to command the defense and wear the Jets’ green dot.
Behind the projected starting duo of David and Sherwood, the Jets are thin. It remains to be seen if players like Francisco Mauigoa and Mykal Walker, who each flashed at times last season, can be trusted as the Jets’ third linebacker in base packages.
If Adams joined the Jets’ linebacker room, he would immediately become their most reliable backup behind Sherwood and Davis. He could carve out a niche role as a blitzing linebacker who can rush the passer.
Throughout his career, Adams has always been a dominant force around the line of scrimmage. While he is nowhere close to his peak superpowers at age 30, he remains strong in that area, even if his tackling inconsistency makes him a boom-or-bust player. He would be valuable for the Jets’ defensive depth.
Adams isn’t going to cost much money and is well worth the flier as a depth option. The Jets have little to lose, and Adams offers something they need, making it worthwhile to give him a second chance.
