Oct 29, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) celebrates a first down against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Three-time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams continues to search for a new team in the NFL, with speculation mounting about where he might land next. An NFL analyst has pointed to the Baltimore Ravens as a potential ideal fit for the former first-round draft pick. Adams, now entering his age-29 season, has faced challenges in recent years due to injuries and mixed performances in pass coverage. Despite these setbacks, he remains a formidable presence against the run game, prompting Matt Holder of Bleacher Report to advocate for the Ravens to consider signing him.
The Ravens, known for their defensive prowess, are currently in transition after losing key players like athletic linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency. With second-year player Trenton Simpson slated to fill Queen’s role, the team is seeking versatility and experience to bolster their defensive lineup.
Holder’s argument for Baltimore pursuing Adams centers on utilizing him in a hybrid linebacker role, leveraging his strengths near the line of scrimmage. This strategic shift could help compensate for the loss of Queen and other departing defensive assets. Given the challenges of replacing a talent like Queen in a single offseason, the Ravens might benefit from Adams’ veteran experience and adaptability.
Adams has already visited the Ravens as a free agent, indicating mutual interest in exploring a potential partnership. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 213 pounds, Adams is slightly undersized for a traditional linebacker role in Baltimore’s scheme, where physicality and size are paramount. While adding muscle to his frame could be an option, significant weight gain seems unlikely at this stage of his career, suggesting Adams would likely serve as a rotational or situational player rather than a full-time starter.
In addition to potentially filling the linebacker gap, Adams could also provide depth in the Ravens’ secondary, particularly following the departure of safety Geno Stone, who signed a lucrative contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite having established starters in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, Baltimore frequently employs three-safety formations, offering Adams opportunities to contribute effectively.
However, it’s crucial to note that Adams’ skill set differs significantly from Stone’s, particularly in pass coverage where Adams has shown vulnerabilities. To maximize his impact, the Ravens would need to deploy Adams selectively and capitalize on his strengths in run defense and as a situational pass rusher.
Looking forward, Adams’ role with the Ravens would likely emphasize his adaptability and willingness to embrace new positional responsibilities. Rather than competing directly with established safeties like Hamilton, Adams could enhance the team’s defensive flexibility by focusing on specialized assignments tailored to his strengths.
Ultimately, while Adams may not be a direct replacement for departed stars like Queen or Stone, his potential addition could bolster the Ravens’ defensive depth and strategic options heading into the upcoming season. As the team continues to navigate roster changes and strategic adjustments, Adams represents a versatile asset who could contribute significantly in specific roles, thereby complementing Baltimore’s defensive ethos and competitive aspirations in the NFL.
