Jets Should Seriously Consider Trading Jamal Adams

As has been the case for almost an entire calendar year, safety Jamal Adams is not happy with the New York Jets. With two years remaining on his current rookie contract, the Pro Bowler wants a new deal, and wants it now, while the Jets have dug their heels in based on precedent, and the obvious fact that Adams has zero leverage.

Why does Adams have no leverage? It's very simple. He is under contract through 2021 with a fifth year option worth $9.86 million, and the Jets can slap the franchise tag on him after that. Not to mention, as Ralph Vacchiano of SNY pointed out in his article, there is precedent. Since 2011, only 16 of the 233 first round picks have signed lucrative contract extensions before their fourth season.

So the Jets don't really have to do anything right now. They can wait out the entire 2020 season if they wanted to before awarding Adams with a contract extension.

Unfortunately Adams doesn't want to wait. He has dug his heels in, refusing to participate in the Jets voluntary online-off-season program, while his representation has stated they are frustrated with the slow pace of the Jets actions.

Of course trade rumors are swirling again. More than half the teams in the NFL have reportedly contacted the Jets about Adams, but up til now, nothing appears imminent.

Truth be told, if Adams continues to become an issue for the Jets based solely on a contract that hasn't expired, the Jets have no choice but to trade him.

It feels like this is a situation that is only going to get worse before it gets better. Many have compared it to the numerous times Darrelle Revis complained about his contract before the franchise eventually grew fed up and dealt him to Tampa Bay before the 2013 season.

That could happen here.

Last fall Adams stated publicly that he felt betrayed by GM Joe Douglas and Head Coach Adam Gase when word circulated that the Jets tried to market him to the Dallas Cowboys. Adams then went out of his way to say the Cowboys were the one team he would want to play for if dealt. Clearly, those hurt feelings have not subsided between either side.

The Jets would be wise to trade Adams because his value right now would never be higher. While Safety is not a premium position, Adams is a stellar talent who continues to develop into a ball-hawk and hard hitter. A contending team would want that on their team.

Not to mention the Jets are not going anywhere in 2020. Yes, this will be the second year of Adam Gase in New York, another year of the same offense for Sam Darnold to quarterback under, and a slightly improved offensive line. But let's be fair, nobody expects the Jets to do better than 7-9 again this year. If the Jets can get value for Adams, meaning multiple draft picks, perhaps a first round and couple of second or third round picks, they should heavily consider it.

It's not worth the headache, and as the negotiations continue to stall, it is become obvious that this can not end well for either side.