Jamal Adams Signs With Minnesota Vikings Ahead of Training Camp
The addition marks the 10th season in the NFL for Adams, who entered the league in 2017 as a first-round selection of the New York Jets. He will now play for his fifth different team in the last four seasons and his sixth overall squad during his professional career. During the early years of his career, Adams established himself as one of the league’s top defensive backs, earning Pro Bowl honors in three of his first four seasons and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019.
Transition From Safety to Linebacker
Adams spent the prime of his career playing traditional safety, but injuries including a torn labrum, a torn quad tendon, and a hip injury limited his playing time during the early 2020s. Following his time with the Jets, he played for the Seattle Seahawks, split the 2024 season between the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, and then joined the heavy.com last year.
In Las Vegas, former head coach Pete Carroll directed Adams to move to a new defensive position. Adams noted that Carroll told him directly that he would be in the linebacker room, leading him to accept the change. Playing linebacker for the first time in his life, Adams appeared in 17 games with four starts for the Raiders in 2025, recording 45 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two quarterback hits, seven total pressures, and a forced fumble across 448 total snaps. He also took snaps in the box and lined up as a slot cornerback.
Context Surrounding Harrison Smith’s Future
Adams’ arrival in Minnesota has sparked questions regarding the future of longtime Vikings defensive back Yahoo Sports, who has yet to announce whether he will return for another NFL season. However, analysts and reporters have noted that Adams’ recent deployment as a linebacker distinguishes his projected role from that of Smith.
Smith played 793 total snaps for Minnesota last season, contributing 42 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations while surrendering 21 receptions and finishing with a 68.9 defensive grade. Vikings insider Alec Lewis reported on The Alec Lewis Show
that defensive coordinator Brian Flores staying with the team is a major factor in Smith’s potential return, though a decision could extend deep into training camp or the early part of the season as Smith evaluates his physical and mental readiness. Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber also suggested that Smith could potentially utilize the team’s bye week or a snap count to ease back into action if he decides to play.
