Just how good is safety Jamal Adams of the Seattle Seahawks?
To put that question into perspective, he played two fewer games in 2020 than he did in 2019 due to injuries in his groin, elbow, and finger.
But even if he suited up in just 12 games, he had more tackles (83-75) and sacks (9.5-6.5).
His sack total last year was the most for his team and among all defensive backs in the league.
Add to that his 14 tackles for loss and his 30 pressures to cement his place as the ace of the Seahawks secondary.
Certainly, the New York Jets will regret letting go of him for a while.
As for the Seahawks, giving him an extension was a no-brainer.
So, the negotiations between the two parties ensued and it rolled over training camp.
After five months of going back and forth, the two sides finally agreed to a deal.
The Seahawks would have to thank Adams’ mother for helping her son agree to the contract by sending him a text message to get the signing done.
Meanwhile, Adams must show his gratitude to the Seahawks for making him the highest-paid safety.
The terms of the mega-deal: four years for $70 million, including a $20 million signing bonus.
.@12s, it's OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL! ✍️@Prez is back! pic.twitter.com/1N6AJOpcSr
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 17, 2021
He can earn as much as $72 million through incentives but he is already guaranteed $38 million.
His average annual salary of $17.5 million trumps Justin Simmons’ $15.25 million yearly average.
With one year and $9.86 million left in his rookie deal, the extension makes him a Seahawk until 2025.
It was evident that Adams wanted to remain in Seattle because he was in communication with the team despite the lengthy negotiation.
Now that the ink is dry, he can now focus on performing at an All-Pro level.
Legion Of Boom 2.0?
It seems like the Seahawks have assembled a quartet that can duplicate the domination that Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Brandon Browner, and Richard Sherman had during their heyday.
While the comparison seems to be a stretch, the current roster does have the right pieces in place.
Adams is a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro, and one-time first-team All-Pro.
His ability to cover so much ground and deal damage to offensive players makes him a valuable asset in Seattle’s pass defense.
There's no one like @Prez. 😤
Let's get to WORK! pic.twitter.com/GKUu0Vy3A6
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 17, 2021
He will be guiding fellow safety Quandre Diggs who had 64 tackles, 10 passes defended, and five interceptions himself in 2020.
D.J. Reed, one of their potential starting cornerbacks, had 62 tackles and two interceptions last year.
Ahkello Witherspoon will also be joining the Seahawks after a four-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
There’s no way but up for the Seattle secondary.
Last year, they gave up 285 passing yards per game which is second-most in the league behind the Atlanta Falcons.
Having Adams for a full season will significantly diminish that average and improve the team’s overall defense.
There’s no doubt that he will do his part because that’s his calling card ever since he entered the NFL.
But now that he got paid according to his desires, he must repay the Seahawks by continuing to be the disruptive force that he already is.
NEXT: Are Russell Wilson And Seahawks Still A Good Fit?