Vikings Agree to Terms With Jamal Adams

With training camps in full swing, there are new stories coming out as teams look to fill holes with preseason games on the horizon. There are plenty of unsigned veterans looking for the right fit in an effort to win a ring. Others are trying to have one more proverbial year in the sun.

With that said, we had a signing Monday that could prove impactful as the season progresses, especially if the offensive side of the ball delivers. Jamal Adams signed a deal with the Minnesota Vikings, adding a veteran presence to the secondary. Let’s take a look at what the signing means for both sides.

Why Did the Vikings Make This Move?

Well, for starters, they have a need for another safety in the room. Harrison Smith is 37 and, as of Tuesday, has not told the Vikings if he planned on playing this year or not. That’s a solid enough reason in and of itself for Minnesota. In addition, in the Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, they tend to have three safeties on the field normally anyway. Josh Metellus has deployed as an edge rusher, linebacker and safety in recent years. Adams could fill a similar role after spending last season with the Raiders as more of a linebacker.

Should Smith not return, the depth chart for the Vikings is a little murky. As it stands, Metellus is penciled atop the depth chart at strong safety. Meanwhile, Theo Jackson, who started eight games last season, is #1 at free safety. As for Adams, he currently stands second on the depth chart at one of the inside linebacker positions. Minnesota has a pair of solid starters there in Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman. This move puts Ivan Pace Jr. squarely on the bubble when it comes to a potential roster spot as Adams provides positional flexibility.

Why Did Adams Sign a Deal with Minnesota?

For one, it gives him a solid opportunity to make a team and get decent amounts of playing time. In addition, the GM of the Vikings, Nolan Teasley, was in the front office of the Seahawks when they swung a deal to get Adams from the Jets back in 2020.

As for Adams, he gets a chance to prove he can still play. He turns 31 in October and played in all 17 games, starting four, for the Raiders last season. Adams finished with 45 tackles (30 solo), five tackles for loss and one sack. In addition, he played in every game, marking the first time he accomplished that in a season since 2018 with the Jets. Injuries have taken a toll in recent seasons as Adams played in just 15 games combined between 2022-24 with three different squads.

How Does it Pan Out?

Teasley is familiar with what Adams brings to the table and managed to stabilize a couple potential weak spots on the depth chart. It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward type of move. As for Adams, he gets a chance to potentially be a factor and wreak havoc for Flores. Best case scenario, he looks something like the player he was his first couple years in the league. If he’s at least capable of staying on the field and making some plays here and there, it’s a win for both sides. Will he make the team? That’s something we have to see in the preseason. For now, he has an opportunity. At the end of the day, that’s all one can ask for.