The Baltimore Ravens are always a team that likes to lay in the weeds until the late stages of free agency, often signing veteran players who are either willing to take less money or desperate for a job. Former New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams could be in that group.
Adams' fall from grace in the last few years has been fairly shocking. Not only has he gone from a record-setting All-Pro to a below-average coverage player, but he left Seattle with controversy attached to him. As such, no team has been willing to give him another contract.
The Ravens might be willing to swoop in, as they are hosting the former Pro Bowl safety and No. 6 overall pick on a visit in the early stages of OTAs. The Ravens have built some very impressive teams on the back of hungry veterans looking for one last chance, and Adams could be the next one on the conveyor belt.
The Ravens are big proponents of buying low on raw talent, and Adams can't get much lower than he is right now. Will the Ravens be able to resurrect his career? They may need to act fast, as other contenders are snooping around.
Former Seahawks Pro-Bowl safety Jamal Adams is visiting today with the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/08Xtrt85rx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2024
Former All-Pro Jamal Adams visiting with Baltimore Ravens
Between 2018 and 2020 (his last two years with the Jets and first Seahawks season), Adams was an All-Pro three times and set the single-season record for sacks by a defensive back. In the next three years, however, injuries limited him to just 22 games. His coverage skills took a shocking downturn, as he was frequently singled out by opposing offenses.
Playing poorly is one thing, but insulting a reporter's wife for criticizing him is another. Adams has some baggage, but the Ravens seem to believe he could be a worthwhile role player in one of the game's best defenses despite his struggles in the last few years.
Adams would be a backup behind All-Pro dynamo Kyle Hamilton and veteran Marcus Williams. However, if new DC Zach Orr runs a scheme similar to that of Mike MacDonald (who cut Adams), expect to see a lot of three-safety looks. Adams is still a sure tackler who can make plays downhill.
Adams could be the next Jadeveon Clowney; a former top pick in need of the right scheme to turn back the clock and get his performance back on track. He could also be the next Earl Thomas in that he's an ex-Seahawks All-Pro on the downside who could be more trouble than he's worth.