The three-time All-Pro safety joins the Vikings aiming to bolster their defense after a disappointing season
Category: Sports
The Minnesota Vikings made a strategic move on Monday by signing former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, who transitioned to linebacker last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. This signing comes as the Vikings gear up for training camp, hoping to rebound from a lackluster 2025-26 campaign. The financial details of the contract have not been disclosed, but the addition of Adams is seen as an important enhancement to their defensive lineup.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schulz, "Breaking: 3x All-Pro S Jamal Adams is signing with the Vikings, multiple sources tell me." Adams, now 30 years old, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to Minnesota. He had a solid performance with the Raiders last season, recording 45 combined tackles, five tackles for loss (TFLs), and one sack over 17 games, including four starts.
The Vikings are expected to utilize Adams primarily at linebacker, a position he successfully took on during his time in Las Vegas. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz noted, "The Vikings are expected to use Jamal Adams at linebacker, a source. Moved to linebacker last season with the Raiders after spending the first eight years of his career at safety. Now set to continue playing linebacker in Minnesota." This transition marks a new chapter in Adams' career as he seeks to make an impact in a different role.
Adams is no stranger to accolades; he was named a first-team All-Pro once and a second-team All-Pro twice during his career, alongside three Pro Bowl selections from 2018 to 2020. His versatility and skill set have made him a valuable player, and his experience is expected to bolster the Vikings' front seven as they aim for improvement this season.
Jamal Adams was born on October 17, 1995, in Lewisville, Texas. He attended Hebron High School, where he excelled in football before playing college football at Louisiana State University (LSU). Adams was drafted sixth by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the league.
During his tenure with the Jets, Adams became known for his aggressive style of play and ability to make impactful tackles. He recorded impressive statistics, including 546 total tackles and 22.5 sacks over his career. In 2020, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he continued to perform at a high level, even breaking the NFL record for most sacks in a season by a defensive back with 9.5 sacks in 2020.
Adams faced challenges with injuries, particularly during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, which limited his playing time. After being released by the Seahawks in March 2024, he briefly joined the Tennessee Titans and the Detroit Lions before signing with the Raiders in July 2025. His adaptation to linebacker in Las Vegas was seen as a successful pivot, allowing him to remain impactful on the field.
As the Vikings prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Adams into their defensive scheme. The team aims to improve upon their previous season's performance, and Adams' presence is expected to play a key role in that effort. The Vikings have a challenging schedule ahead, and the addition of a player with Adams' experience could be a game-changer.
Training camp is currently underway, and the Vikings coaching staff will be looking to maximize Adams' skills as they finalize their defensive strategies. Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see how he adapts to his new role and how the Vikings' defense evolves with his addition.
Adams, who has faced scrutiny and challenges throughout his career, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Vikings. He aims to bring his competitive spirit and leadership to the team, hoping to contribute to a successful season. The Vikings' decision to sign Adams reflects their commitment to strengthening their defensive unit as they aim for a playoff run in the upcoming season.
The Vikings' first game of the 2026 season is scheduled for September 10, 2026, against the Green Bay Packers, and fans are eager to see Adams in action with his new team.