The Seattle Seahawks could be on the verge of parting ways with a key veteran player r ising questions about the team’s future roster decisions. Former Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams, who signed a massive $70 million contract extension in 2021, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in recent seasons. With the Seahawks looking to reshape their defense, there is growing speculation that Adams could be a cap casualty this offseason.
Adams, who carries a cap hit of approximately $29 million for 2024, has failed to live up to expectations since Seattle acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets in 2020. While he was once considered a game-changing safety, injuries have significantly limited his impact. Over the past two seasons, he has played in only 10 games, dealing with lingering knee and quadriceps issues. The lack of availability has made his massive contract a burden on Seattle’s salary cap, leading many to believe that the team will look for a way to move on.
If the Seahawks release Adams, they could save a significant amount of cap space. According to reports, a post-June 1 release would allow the team to spread out the dead money hit, making it a more manageable financial decision. While cutting him outright would still leave dead cap charges, Seattle could use the savings to invest in other areas of need, including the defensive line and secondary. The Seahawks have already started making moves to overhaul their defense, including hiring new head coach Mike Macdonald, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Macdonald is expected to bring a fresh defensive philosophy to Seattle, which may not include Adams in the long-term plans.
Another factor in the decision is the emergence of younger, cheaper defensive backs on the roster. The Seahawks have promising talent in their secondary, including cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. While Adams was once viewed as a critical playmaker, his limitations in coverage and recent injury history make him less valuable in a modern, pass-heavy NFL. If Macdonald prefers a more traditional safety pairing, Adams’ skill set may not fit into Seattle’s new defensive approach.
The 28-year-old safety was once among the most feared defenders in the league, known for his aggressive playing style and ability to blitz from the secondary. In 2020, he set an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back, recording 9.5 sacks in his first season with Seattle. However, since then, his production has declined, and he has not been the same player due to injuries. The Seahawks must now decide whether to keep him and hope for a resurgence or move on and free up valuable salary cap space.
Adams’ future in Seattle remains uncertain, but all signs point toward a potential split. If the Seahawks release him, he will likely draw interest from teams in need of a veteran presence in the secondary. However, given his recent injuries, he may have to settle for a short-term, prove-it deal rather than another massive contract. The Seahawks, meanwhile, would look to reinvest in their defense with a more cost-effective approach.
As the offseason unfolds, Adams’ fate will be one of the key storylines for Seattle. Whether he stays or goes, his tenure with the Seahawks has been a rollercoaster ride, and the next chapter may soon be written.
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