Seahawks: Latest Jamal Adams contract update is frustrating

Despite both sides desire to get a contract done, Jamal Adams and the Seattle Seahawks don’t seem to be close on a new deal.

Jamal Adams got his wish last offseason, getting traded from the New York Jets to the Seattle Seahawks. His first season with the Seahawks went well, as he set the record for most sacks by a defensive back in a season (9.5). His presence in opposing backfields was a key reason why Seattle’s defense turned the corner last last year.

Contract talks were on of the pain points during Adams’ tenure in New York. He earned an average salary of 5.64 million, which ranks 26th among safeties in the NFL according to AZCentral.com.

He’s played way above that, and he is looking to cash in with Seattle. Based on what one NFL insider reported, it could be a minute before the Seahawks and their star safety come to an agreement on a new contract.

Jamal Adams’ contract talks with the Seahawks could last until training camp

The Seahawks and Adams have both expressed their desire to work out a new contract, but things aren’t moving as quickly as they should be. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that talks between the two parties are “slow going,” and the negotiations could last until training camp.

"“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. I’m not saying he’s holding out, but this is a player who got his way out of New York over his contract. The Seahawks at least know they’re dealing with a hard bargainer,” Fowler reported on Sportscenter."

The truth is that Adams does hold the power in these contract discussions. The Seahawks gave up a 2020 and 2021 first-round pick for the safety, so they used some valuable assets to get him. It wouldn’t make sense for them to not sign him long-term, as he will be a free agent after this upcoming season.

If the Seahawks safety wants to reset the market like Fowler reported, it will cost the team a pretty penny. The Denver Broncos made Justin Simmons the NFL’s highest paid safety with a four-year, $61 million contract worth $15.25 annually. Adams is a more versatile player than Simmons, being able to play in the box, at the line of scrimmage, and in the secondary. He could make close to $17-18 million given his body of work.

Jamal Adams seems to have stuck his feet in the ground with his contract demands. As training camps inches closer, it will be interesting to see if he and the Seahawks can work out a deal before it’s too late. If he doesn’t get a new contract, could he hold out from training camp? That is is an option if he refuses to play in the last year of his rookie deal.