What Happened to Jamal Lee Adams?
Jamal Adams, a highly-touted safety drafted sixth overall in 2017, has experienced a tumultuous NFL career marked by Pro Bowl selections, a record-setting contract, and significant injury struggles. After stints with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks, where he transitioned to a linebacker role, he played for the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions in 2024, and the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, before signing with the Minnesota Vikings in July 2026.
Quick Answer
As of July 28, 2026, Jamal Adams has signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a linebacker for his tenth NFL season. He spent the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he successfully transitioned from safety to linebacker, playing in all 17 games and recording 45 tackles and a sack. This move to the Vikings marks his sixth NFL team since being drafted in 2017.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Drafted by New York Jets
Jamal Adams was selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
First Pro Bowl Selection
Adams earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was named Second-team All-Pro during his second season with the Jets.
First-team All-Pro Honors
He achieved First-team All-Pro honors and a second Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's top safeties.
Traded to Seattle Seahawks
Adams was traded to the Seattle Seahawks along with a 2022 fourth-round pick in exchange for Bradley McDougald, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick.
Sets DB Sack Record with Seahawks
In his first season with Seattle, Adams recorded 9.5 sacks, setting an NFL record for a defensive back, and earned his third Pro Bowl and second Second-team All-Pro selection.
Signs Record Extension with Seahawks
Adams signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.
Placed on IR with Torn Labrum
Adams suffered a torn labrum during Week 13 against the 49ers and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Suffers Season-Ending Torn Quad Tendon
In Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, Adams suffered a torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery.
Seahawks Restructure Contract
The Seahawks restructured Adams' contract, converting $9.92 million of his 2023 base salary into a signing bonus to clear cap space.
Released by Seattle Seahawks
After a tenure plagued by injuries, the Seattle Seahawks released Jamal Adams.
Signs with Tennessee Titans
Adams signed a one-year veteran salary benefit contract with the Tennessee Titans.
Released by Tennessee Titans
After playing only three games and dealing with a hip injury, Adams was released by the Titans.
Signed to Detroit Lions Practice Squad
Adams joined the Detroit Lions' practice squad, playing in two games before his release in January 2025.
Signs with Las Vegas Raiders, Switches to LB
Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and officially switched his position from safety to linebacker.
Plays Full Season with Raiders
Adams appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Raiders, recording 45 tackles and 1 sack, marking his first full season since 2018.
Signs with Minnesota Vikings
Jamal Adams announced he is signing with the Minnesota Vikings for his 10th NFL season, continuing his career as a linebacker.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jamal Lee Adams entered the NFL with immense expectations, selected as the sixth overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a dominant safety, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a First-team All-Pro nod during his three seasons with the Jets. His aggressive playing style and versatility made him a highly sought-after talent.
A pivotal moment in Adams' career occurred in July 2020 when he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster deal that included two first-round picks. In his first season with Seattle in 2020, Adams continued his elite performance, recording a record-setting 9.5 sacks for a defensive back and earning another Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro selection. This led to him signing a four-year, $72 million extension in August 2021, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.
However, Adams' tenure in Seattle was significantly hampered by a series of severe injuries. He suffered a torn labrum in 2021, a season-ending torn quad tendon in Week 1 of the 2022 season, and a concussion in Week 4 of the 2023 season, which limited his playing time to just 22 games over his final three seasons with the Seahawks. These injuries, coupled with his high salary, led to his release by the Seahawks in March 2024.
Following his release, Adams signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans in July 2024, but a hip injury and subsequent placement on the reserve/non-football injury list led to his release in October 2024 after only three games. He then had a brief stint on the Detroit Lions' practice squad, playing in two games before being released in January 2025. Many speculated about the future of his career due to the persistent injury issues.
In July 2025, Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he made a significant transition from safety to linebacker. This move proved beneficial, as he appeared in all 17 games for the Raiders in the 2025 season, recording 45 combined tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, showcasing a resurgence in his career. As of July 28, 2026, Adams, at 30 years old, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, marking his tenth NFL season and his sixth professional team, continuing his career as a linebacker.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jamal Lee Adams made different choices?