Career Timeline of Jamal Adams: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jamal Adams, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jamal Adams is an American professional football safety and linebacker currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. He was drafted by the New York Jets sixth overall in 2017 after playing college football for LSU. Adams quickly became a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection with the Jets. He later played for the Seattle Seahawks, signing a lucrative four-year extension in 2021 that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time, and the Tennessee Titans.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Played as a True Freshman at LSU

In 2014, as a true freshman at LSU, Adams played in all 13 games with two starts and had 66 tackles and a sack.

January 6, 2017: Declared for the NFL Draft

On January 6, 2017, Jamal Adams announced he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.

May 4, 2017: Attended LSU's Pro Day

On May 4, 2017, Adams attended LSU's pro day and improved his 40-yard dash time to 4.33s. He was projected as a first-round pick.

July 20, 2017: Signed with the New York Jets

On July 20, 2017, Adams signed a four-year, $22.25 million fully guaranteed contract with the Jets, including a $14.32 million signing bonus.

2017: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2017, Jamal Adams was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round, sixth overall. He was the first defensive back selected that year.

2017: Rookie Season with the Jets

In 2017, during his rookie season, Adams recorded 83 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and two sacks in 16 games. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

2018: Named Jets' Captain and Interception

In 2018, Adams was named a captain for the Jets. He had his first career interception off Matt Cassel. He finished the season with 115 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

2019: Pro Bowl Selection and Defensive MVP

In 2019, Adams was named a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career, and was named the Defensive MVP of the game. He also got notoriety after tackling the Patriots mascot at a Pro Bowl practice, later apologizing for it.

April 17, 2020: Skipped Offseason Program

On April 17, 2020, it was reported that Adams would skip the entirety of the voluntary virtual offseason program without a contract extension.

April 27, 2020: Jets Picked Up Fifth-Year Option

On April 27, 2020, the Jets picked up the fifth-year option on Adams' contract.

June 18, 2020: Requested Trade from the Jets

On June 18, 2020, Adams officially requested to be traded from the Jets, creating a list of teams he would welcome a trade to.

July 25, 2020: Traded to the Seattle Seahawks

On July 25, 2020, Adams was traded to the Seattle Seahawks along with a 2022 fourth-round pick, in exchange for Bradley McDougald, 2021 first- and third-round picks, and a 2022 first-round pick.

August 17, 2021: Signed Four-Year Deal with Seahawks

On August 17, 2021, Adams signed a four-year deal with the Seahawks, valued at $72 million, with a $20 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid safety in NFL history at the time.

November 14, 2021: First Interception of the Season

On November 14, 2021, during a game against the Green Bay Packers, Adams recorded his first interception of the season off of Aaron Rodgers.

2021: Signed Four-Year Extension with Seahawks

In 2021, Jamal Adams signed a four-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks valued at $72 million, making him the highest paid safety in the NFL at that time.

March 5, 2024: Released by the Seahawks

On March 5, 2024, Adams was released by the Seattle Seahawks.

July 11, 2024: Signed with the Tennessee Titans

On July 11, 2024, Adams signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.

October 17, 2024: Released by the Titans

On October 17, 2024, Adams requested to be released from the Tennessee Titans, and the team granted his request due to an injury.

December 1, 2024: Signed to Lions Practice Squad

On December 1, 2024, Adams was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad.

January 1, 2025: Released by the Lions

On January 1, 2025, Adams was released by the Detroit Lions.

July 22, 2025: Signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and position change

On July 22, 2025, Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with head coach Pete Carroll. He switched positions from safety to linebacker during training camp.