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Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) walks off the field after win against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks-Jamal Adams contract talks reportedly not going well

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 7/6/21

A year after the Seattle Seahawks traded two first-round picks in a blockbuster deal for Jamal Adams, efforts to retain the star safety beyond the 2021 NFL season aren’t going well.

Adams, the No. 6 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Set to make $9.86 million this season, the All-Pro defender wants his next deal to set the market for his position.

Seattle wants to keep Adams, especially after what it already gave up for him. The 25-year-old was very productive for them this past season, recording 9.5 sacks and three pass deflections in 12 games. While there is genuine interest from both sides in getting a deal done, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that there is a lot of ground to cover.

“The Seahawks are committed to getting this done, but I’m told it has been a bit slow-going," Fowler said, per Bleacher Report. "This is a situation that could bleed through training camp, even possibly close to Week 1. It’s complicated, because Jamal Adams has some leverage. He knows the team gave up two first-round picks to get him, and he’s trying to reset the safety market in a big way. “

It’s a situation the New York Jets knew would happen. While Adams was equally involved in forcing a trade, the Jets didn’t feel comfortable making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL given the state of their franchise and his specific value.

Adams is a great player and there isn’t a better defensive back than him at rushing the passer. But, per Pro Football Focus, he also surrendered a 121.7 passer rating when targeted in coverage this past season and has proven he isn’t a traditional safety.

In comparison to his peers, it’s understandable why a team might hesitate to reward him with a record-setting contract. Justin Simmons ($15.25 million), Eddie Jackson ($14.6 million) and Tyrann Mathieu ($14 million) all generate turnovers and make plays in coverage.

Adams can point to his production as a pass rusher, an incredibly valuable skill to have. Given his youth and leadership abilities, these factors would also play a huge part in deciding his next contract.

Realistically, the Seahawks are likely looking at a four- or five-year contract worth at least $18 million annually. It would dramatically change the contract landscape for safeties, but is a reflection of the rising 2022 salary cap.

In the end, the Seattle Seahawks won’t have a choice. The franchise can’t justify trading a pair of first-round picks for a defensive back it only kept around for two seasons. Adams knows that and will use his leverage to set his own price.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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