The Minnesota Vikings are thinking three steps ahead with their defense, adding one more piece to the puzzle before training camp starts.
Independent NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Monday that the Vikings are signing linebacker Jamal Adams. Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley was with the Seattle Seahawks when Adams was there from 2020 through 2023.
Adams was the New York Jets' first-round pick back in 2017, getting off to a fast start in his career. He made three Pro Bowls in his first four years. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019 and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2018 and 2020.
In nine NFL seasons, Adams racked up 546 tackles, 55 tackles for loss, 44 quarterback hits, 36 pass deflections, 22.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns in 102 games. Last year, Adams played for the Las Vegas Raiders, finishing with 45 tackles, five tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack, and one forced fumble in 17 games.
What can Minnesota Vikings fans expect from Jamal Adams in 2026
Adams in 2026 is very different from the one who was making Pro Bowls early in his career. Last year, he made the transition to linebacker from safety.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to love having Adams on his defense, though, as he's a good fit. Adams is versatile, able to stop the run, blitz the quarterback, and drop back into coverage.
The likelihood of Adams starting in 2026 is not likely unless there are injuries. He does make for a perfect rotational player at linebacker.
There is a ton of competition at linebacker entering training camp, with Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., and rookie Jake Golday all fighting for spots. Adams being mixed into the conversation should add a good problem for the Vikings on defense.
Vikings fans will want to see how Flores uses his new linebacker. There's a chance Adams could play some safety or in the nickel for certain packages. That kind of versatility would throw offenses off guard and could be an advantage for Flores.
Adams was a signing that Vikings fans did not see coming, but it makes sense for the team to take a chance on him. He played well last season with the Raiders and proved he could transition to linebacker. Now he has to learn the defense quickly and make an immediate impact on the Vikings.
Add us as a preferred source on Google