LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders bolstered their secondary Tuesday, signing three-time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams to a one-year contract, a league source confirmed. The move reunites Adams with head coach Pete Carroll, under whom he played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
Adams, 29, brings veteran experience to a young Raiders defensive backfield. A former No. 6 overall pick by the New York Jets in 2017, Adams earned Pro Bowl nods from 2018 to 2020 and was once among the NFL’s most feared safeties. His 9.5 sacks in 2020 with Seattle set a single-season record for a defensive back. However, injuries and inconsistent play in recent years have seen him bounce between teams, including brief stints with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions in 2024.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Adams is in excellent shape and the healthiest he’s been in years, signaling potential for a bounce-back season. The signing addresses a need for the Raiders, whose secondary struggled last season, ranking 25th in points allowed. Adams’ versatility could allow nickelback Bradley Chubb to shift positions if needed, though the team still faces questions at cornerback with young players like Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson vying for starting roles.
Adams’ familiarity with Carroll’s defensive system gives the Raiders confidence in his fit. “He’s a proven playmaker when healthy,” Carroll said during a press conference Tuesday. “We’re excited to have his leadership and intensity.” Adams’ addition aligns with the Raiders’ offseason push to revamp their roster under Carroll, who replaced Antonio Pierce after a 4-13 campaign. The team also acquired quarterback Geno Smith, another ex-Seahawk, to stabilize the offense.
The contract details remain undisclosed, but Adams’ signing is a low-risk, high-reward move for Las Vegas, which faces no state income tax—an attractive factor for free agents. While Adams’ coverage skills have waned, his ability to blitz and disrupt in the box remains valuable. In 2024, he logged only 20 defensive snaps with the Titans, but his three Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors in 2018 and 2019 underscore his potential impact.
The Raiders, who traded star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets in October 2024 for a conditional third-round pick, are banking on veterans like Adams to mentor a young core. Training camp begins this week, and Adams is expected to compete for a starting role alongside safety Johnathan Abram. If he regains his form, Adams could be a cornerstone for a Raiders defense aiming to climb the AFC West standings in 2025.
Jamal Adams.
Cleveland Browns training camp begins!
