Dallas' Jamal Adams: A Cowboys Trade and One Last Chance for Faded Star?
FRISCO - The last time we took notice of the Seattle Seahawks' faded star Jamal Adams? He was unable to deal with covering Dallas Cowboys pass-catchers ... and he took it out on a reporter's wife in what was called a "cowardly way'' following criticisms for his defensive performance in Week 13's loss to the Cowboys.
We are told by sources close to the situation in Seattle that under new coach Mike Macdonald, they are about done with veteran safety ... and that he's about to either be cut or retire.
How willing is Seattle to say goodbye? The Seahawks would take on about $20.8 million in dead cap with a parting ... and so naturally, they'd like to get something for him if Adams, entering his age-29 season, wants to keep playing.
So who wants to pay his $16.5 million base salary? That would be ... nobody.
Adams is a Dallas-area native. He played at Hebron High School, which is about eight miles away from The Star. He often spends his offseasons in DFW, and the Cowboys have over the years made multiple attempts to acquire him - most notably when at the 2019 NFL trade deadline, as we reported at the time, Dallas offered a first-round pick and cornerback Anthony Brown in trade.
(That first-rounder became CeeDee Lamb ... a great trade not made.)
Adams took another stab at trying to come home before the 2020 NFL Draft. ... but Seattle instead traded for him, giving the Jets two first-round picks while eventually giving Adams a $17 million APY contract.
None of that worked out, as the multiple injuries, the lack of consistent production Adams and some questionable off-the-field actions have altered the league's view on a guy who was once very much a game-wrecker.
The Cowboys will eventually come up here in media conversation as reporters labor to find a tie. Indeed, Bleacher Report thinks its already found such a thing with coach Dan Quinn's Washington Commanders, who just hired as his linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. ... who worked with Adams during his last Pro Bowl season in 2020.
But Adams isn't that player anymore. And any affection between Norton and Adams - if that even exists - figures as a virtual non-factor.
Could Jamal Adams start over? Have the bar of expectations lowered? Close his career as a mentor in a backup role? Maybe. Somewhere. But not with $27 million cap hits lined up for each of the next two seasons, he won't.
