2 NFC Heavyweights Fighting Over Free Agent Safety

The 2024 NFL Draft is over, which means that the free agent market is about to heat up for players like Jamal Adams. Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the LSU product used to be one of the best safeties in the game. However, the years have taken their toll on the veteran, and while he’s still a decent player, his on-field abilities didn’t justify his massive paycheck. Seattle released the veteran earlier in the offseason, and a new report indicates that he could find a new team in the coming days.

According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the Seahawks want to reunite with free agent Jamal Adams. However, they will have to fight for his services, as the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers also want to secure his services.

Seahawks, 49ers Interested In Free Agent Jamal Adams

Both destinations make plenty of sense for the safety. Even though Seattle is the reason Jamal Adams is a free agent in the first place, general manager John Schneider never ruled out the possibility of a return at a reduced rate.

The 49ers, meanwhile, desperately need more help in the secondary. While fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha can provide a physical presence in the run game, the rookie might need some time to adjust to life in the NFL. The present-day version of Jamal Adams is a similar player to Mustapaha, and the free agent can be a good short-term starter while the Wake Forest product acclimates to the pros.

Of course, Condotta’s report mentions the 49ers are “one of a handful” of teams interested in free agent Jamal Adams. While Condotta’s report doesn’t name any other specific organizations, we can take an educated guess as to who might be interested.

Other Potential Destinations

New Orleans Saints

The Saints only had two picks in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, which means they couldn’t have possibly addressed all the needs on their roster. While second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry will solidify the cornerback position, this team still needs to find a starting safety. Seeing as they don’t have much money, New Orleans could sign a cost-effective free agent like Jamal Adams to pair with Tyrann Mathieu.

Indianapolis Colts

The 49ers are interested in signing Jamal Adams as a free agent because he can provide mentorship to a Day 3 pick with similar talents. With that in mind, the Indianapolis Colts should also be interested in Adams for the same season. Fifth-round pick Jaylon Carlies is a linebacker/safety hybrid who could learn a thing or two from watching Adams play the position. If this signing helps develop the Missouri product into a reliable starter down the road, then it will easily be worth the money.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs had one of the best defenses in football last year, but their biggest weakness was their inability to stop the run in crucial situations. Jamal Adams should not be on the field for too many passing downs, but the free agent can still pack a punch in the box. If signed to be a situational player, Adams can help Kansas City become the first team to win the Super Bowl in three consecutive seasons.

Carolina Panthers

Even with all the additions on offense, the Carolina Panthers will probably need to win games on defense in 2024. Jamal Adams might not have what it takes to be a full three-down starter anymore, but the free agent could be a key cog in this underrated unit. With Jeremy Chinn now in Washington, somebody will need to provide a physical presence as a box safety. Pairing him with another good run defender in Jordan Fuller could give Carolina one of the better run defenses in the game.