Jamal Adams: Vikings, Stats, NFL, Contract, PFF, Age, News & Jets

Jamal Adams remains one of the NFL’s most recognizable defensive players. Once considered the league’s premier blitzing safety, Adams has reinvented himself after battling injuries and changing positions. In 2026, the veteran defender signed with the Minnesota Vikings, giving his career another opportunity under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

This article covers everything about Jamal Adams, including his Vikings move, NFL career, stats, contract history, PFF grades, age, and his time with the New York Jets.

Jamal Adams joins the Vikings

The biggest Jamal Adams news in 2026 is his agreement with the Minnesota Vikings before training camp. After spending the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders in a hybrid linebacker role, Adams will now provide Minnesota with valuable experience and defensive versatility.

The Vikings signed Adams to strengthen their defense with an experienced veteran capable of:

• Playing near the line of scrimmage
• Blitzing quarterbacks
• Supporting the run defense
• Adding leadership to a young defense

Minnesota’s coaching staff hopes Adams can thrive in multiple defensive packages.

Jamal Adams profile

NFL career

Adams entered the NFL after an outstanding college career at LSU.

Throughout his professional career, he has played for:

• New York Jets
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tennessee Titans
• Detroit Lions
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Minnesota Vikings

He became famous for his aggressive style, physical tackling, and elite blitzing ability.

Stats

Career statistics entering the 2026 season include:

• 546 tackles
• 22.5 sacks
• 4 interceptions
• 36 passes defended
• 8 forced fumbles
• 4 fumble recoveries

Few defensive backs in NFL history have produced as many sacks as Adams.

2025 season performance

Playing for the Raiders, Adams appeared in all 17 games.

His production included:

• 45 tackles
• 1 sack
• 1 forced fumble

The Raiders primarily used him as a linebacker rather than a traditional safety, allowing him to attack closer to the line of scrimmage.

PFF grades

According to PFF, Adams enjoyed a respectable 2025 season.

Highlights included:

• Overall defensive grade: 67.3
• Coverage grade: 69.2
• Pass-rush grade: 71.4
• Ranked among the better linebackers in coverage after transitioning from safety.

While no longer the dominant All-Pro he once was, the numbers suggest he remains an effective rotational defender.

Jamal Adams contract history

Adams signed one of the biggest contracts ever given to a safety while playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

His notable contract milestones include:

• Rookie deal with the Jets (2017)
• Traded to Seattle
• Four-year contract worth $72 million with Seattle in 2021
• Subsequent short-term deals after injuries affected his career
• Signed with the Vikings for the 2026 season after becoming a free agent.

Jamal Adams and the New York Jets

The Jets selected Adams sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

During his three seasons in New York, he became:

• Team captain
• Three-time Pro Bowl player
• Fan favorite
• One of the NFL’s best defensive playmakers

In 2020, the Jets traded him to Seattle in exchange for a package of premium draft picks.

That trade became one of the biggest moves in franchise history.

Career with the Seattle Seahawks

Seattle expected Adams to become the centerpiece of its defense.

His first season was excellent.

He set an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back during the season.

Unfortunately, injuries soon disrupted his career.

Over the next several years he missed significant playing time, preventing him from returning to his All-Pro form.

Why the Vikings signed Jamal Adams

Minnesota values players who can perform multiple defensive roles.

Adams fits because he can:

• Blitz
• Defend against the run
• Cover tight ends
• Rotate between linebacker and safety

His experience should also benefit younger defensive players.

Strengths

• Elite blitzer
• Physical tackler
• High football IQ
• Strong leadership
• Versatile defender

Areas for improvement

• Injury history
• Coverage consistency
• Speed compared with earlier seasons
• Durability over a full season

Latest Jamal Adams news

Jamal Adams officially agreed to join the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2026 NFL season after spending 2025 with the Raiders. The move gives him a chance to contribute in Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive system, where his versatility as both a safety and linebacker could prove valuable.

Outlook for 2026

If Adams remains healthy, he can become an important rotational defender for Minnesota.

The Vikings are unlikely to ask him to play every defensive snap, but his ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run could make him a valuable piece of the defense.

Conclusion

Jamal Adams has experienced one of the NFL’s most unique careers. From becoming an All-Pro with the Jets to setting records in Seattle and overcoming injuries to reinvent himself as a linebacker, he continues to find opportunities. His move to the Vikings gives him another chance to contribute at a high level while adding veteran leadership to one of the league’s strongest defenses.

FAQs

Who does Jamal Adams play for in 2026?
Jamal Adams signed with the Minnesota Vikings before the 2026 season.

How old is Jamal Adams?
He is 30 years old during the 2026 NFL season.

What is Jamal Adams’ position?
He now plays as a hybrid linebacker/safety.

Which team drafted Jamal Adams?
The New York Jets selected him sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

What was Jamal Adams’ 2025 PFF grade?
He earned a 67.3 overall defensive grade from PFF.