Ravens: A trade for Jamal Adams would be worth the cost

The Baltimore Ravens should go get Jamal Adams. Hear me out:

The media has been talking about it for months and it could finally be happening as it was reported today by Rich Cimini of ESPN that Jamal Adams has requested a trade out of New York.

The frustrated Adams is seeking to become the highest paid safety in the NFL and rightfully so, but the second year general manager of the New York Jets, Joe Douglas has the toughest decision of his young career right in his face. Does he trade his elite defender or prove his organization that he is the right man for the job?

Adams doesn’t wish to be traded to any team in the league, either. A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Adams would welcome a trade to one of seven teams: the Baltimore Ravens, the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

All but one of these teams made the playoffs last season and it is clear that Adams just wants to be a part of a winning organization. With that being said, the Jets currently have no intention on trading Adams, especially when he is only making a $7 million cap hit in 2020.

Last week Adams responded to a comment on an Instagram stating “Maybe it’s time to move on!”

Adams is signed through 2021 and has made it clear he wants a new contract by the start of the regular season. The Jets want him as “a Jet for life” but still haven’t given any indication of extending him or giving him the contract he wants.

The Jets did entertain offers for Adams at the trading deadline last fall, with the Cowboys and Ravens showing serious interest. The Jets’ asking price reportedly was a first-round pick and two second rounders.

To give you a solid comparison, Jalen Ramsey was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Los Angeles Rams last fall for the steep price of two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick. Ramsey was the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft and is also still on his rookie contract. Adams was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft and is also still on his rookie contract.

It is said that the Jets asking price will now be a base of two first-round picks and a fourth, like Ramsey’s was.

Currently the highest paid safeties in the NFL are (AVG./Year)

1. Eddie Jackson – $14,600,000
2. Kevin Byard – $14,100,000
3. Tyrann Mathieu – $14,000,000
4. Landon Collins – $14,000,000
5. Earl Thomas – $13,750,000

Adams graded significantly higher than all of the above per PFF last season and he is guaranteed to get at least $15 million per when he hits the market or is extended.

After all of this I do firmly believe Adams would fit phenomenally well in Baltimore. Flip him to New York for Chuck Clark, Mathew Judon and a second-round pick? He can play the box better than anyone in the league, not just at his position. He graded incredibly well in coverage and in the box, per PFF.

Pair Adams with Humphrey, Peters, Thomas, Smith and Tavon Young coming back healthy? How would this not be an all-time defense. And with number eight running the offense?

Colin Cowherd said yesterday on his show that he could honestly see the Ravens going 16-0 and he gave multiple, solid reasons. It really isn’t far fetched. But if we add Jamal Adams to this current roster? My goodness.

Also, if we do trade Judon in a package for Adams it would open up around $13 million in cap space and DeCosta could go sign Clowney or Everson Griffin!

Putting on my general manager hat – I would give up a first-round and second-round pick for Adams. If that doesn’t work than package Judon and another corner or safety with a third-round pick. That’s all I would give up.

You’re all entitled to your own opinion (as you put on your GM hats), but to me this is a no-brainer. Lamar Jackson isn’t on his rookie contract forever – take advantage NOW!