The Las Vegas Raiders were set to have a very young secondary heading into training camp, but they’ve decided to add some experience. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the team has signed former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Jamal Adams to a contract.
The former No. 6 in the 2017 NFL Draft of the New York Jets was once one of the most feared safeties in the league. The three-time Pro Bowler has fallen on hard times in recent years. He was traded to the Seahawks in 2020 and was never able to find the same level of success.
He’s now a bit of a journeyman, as he played for the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions in 2024. Adams has four years of experience under head coach Pete Carroll, so he clearly believes in the veteran safety.
Adams is only 29, so there’s a chance he can return to form. Schultz reported that the safety is healthy and in very good shape. The Raiders are likely going to have Jeremy Chubb and Isaiah Pola-Mao as their starting safeties, but Adams can provide some solid depth.
He used to be an elite pass rusher as a defensive back, but he hasn’t had a sack since 2020. If he can get back to being a pass rush threat, he could be an asset for the Raiders.
Could Adams Help the Nickelback Issue?
One of the positions of need that the Raiders have is at nickel cornerback. The Raiders don’t have an obvious starter there.
However, Chubb has experience playing in that role. The Athletic’s Tashan Reed detailed the need for the Raiders.
“This may be the most precarious position on the roster,” Reed wrote. “The Raiders let Nate Hobbs walk in free agency and opted not to replace him in free agency or the draft. Safety Jeremy Chinn will rotate down to nickelback in certain situations, but he won’t be there full time. The Raiders still need a reliable option to emerge at nickelback.”
Adams’ presence will make it easier for Chubb to move to nickelback if that becomes the best option for the defense.
Raiders Will Have CB Competition
The Raiders are still very young at cornerback, and while Adams could allow Chubb to fill the nickelback need, that doesn’t solve the issues on the outside. Reed expects the Raiders to have a true competition at cornerback this offseason.
“While the options at nickelback may be the most concerning, this is the most important position battle on the roster,” Reed wrote. “Darien Porter and Eric Stokes got most of the reps during OTA practices, but Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson will also be given opportunities to carve out starting roles.
“Bennett has had a similar journey in each of his first two NFL seasons. He was a day-one starter but lost that role due to injury. He had surgery to repair a torn labrum last season and was still working through the recovery process during OTAs. He was excellent when healthy last season and could be the Raiders’ most complete corner if he can stay that way.”
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