Jamal Adams' star has quickly risen in his three NFL seasons in the Big Apple, but it appears his relationship with the New York Jets has soured to a point beyond repair.
The two-time Pro Bowl safety and 2019 first team All-Pro selection has formally requested a trade, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed Thursday. Manish Meta of the New York Daily News first reported the news.
NFL Network's Kim Jones spoke with Adams on Thursday night and relayed that he described his time with the Jets in the past tense. Jones added that her sense is the Jets continue to believe Adams will remain on the team in 2020.
The Jets were not available for comment, per Jones.
Reports of the 24-year-old defensive back's frustration with the franchise over his next deal have been brewing for months, and appeared to reach a tipping point Thursday morning.
In response to an Instagram comment made by a fan comparing how he's handled his contract situation to the actions of Patrick Mahomes, who will likely sign a major contract sometime this summer, Adams hinted that his time with the team may be coming to an end. At the conclusion of his lengthy rant, Adams stated that he would protect himself "just like an organization will look out for themselves at the end of the day" and signed off with the statement: "Maybe it's time to move on!"
Adams has two years left on his rookie deal after the Jets picked up his fifth-year option in April. Rapoport reported late last month that it was unlikely the organization would comply with Adams' demands for an extension or look to trade him in the near future. This latest development might force the team to heavily consider the latter.
Since being drafted sixth overall in 2017, the former LSU Tiger has dominated, racking up 273 total tackles, 25 pass deflections, six forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned 61 yards for a touchdown in 2019, in 46 games played. Pro Football Focus ranked him the fifth-best player under age 25 at the end of last season.
Of the first-round picks selected three summers ago, only Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey has signed an extension. As for the other 30 draftees sans Adams, just 16 of them had their option picked up.
