Jets Interested In Seahawks' Safety Not Named Jamal Adams?
Let's get this out of the way: no, the New York Jets will not be exploring options to bring Jamal Adams back to Florham Park.
Adams wasn't the only safety released by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, though.
While the Jets do need a top player at the position, it's unlikely they'll look to spend a premium during free agency on a group that isn't as valuable as some of their other important needs.
There are still some solid players of value at the safety spot that could entice New York.
Quandre Diggs, the former Detroit Lion and now Seattle Seahawk was recently released along with Adams on Tuesday, although his decision was more of a cap casualty move as opposed to a poor play like his counterpart. At 31 years old, Diggs can be considered past his prime but is a year removed from three straight Pro Bowl nominations.
In his 10-year NFL journey, Diggs has picked off 24 passes, racked up 56 passes defended, and has been one of the more respected players across the league.
He won't cost the same as some at the top of his position like Xavier McKinney or Geno Stone, but he could still be an added help to a roster that is already loaded with defensive talent.
The real question will be what kind of offer elsewhere Diggs ends up getting, and could the Jets look to match any team that will offer something close to the desired cost?
Kevin Byard, a player of similar stature to Diggs in that he's over 30 years old and struggled in 2023, has a projected market of over $7 million annually according to Spotrac. 33-year-old Micah Hyde is set to make just $3.7 annually.
With Diggs in the middle of the age group between Byard and Hyde, while also coming off a disappointing season, finding a contract somewhere in the middle at around $5 million could be the sweet spot for him. Considering the Jets signed Jordan Whitehead to a similar contract last season, it's not out of the realm of possibility that New York could give something similar to a more experienced player in Diggs.
One might think Gang Green won't aggressively pursue defensive talent in the coming weeks with so many issues on the offensive end, but having a balanced team will be important as they try to end a 13-year playoff drought in a loaded AFC.
Acquiring a veteran safety that isn't a locker room concern as his former teammate was, might be the answer.
