New York Jets sign first-round pick Jamal Adams to rookie deal

With only eight days until Jets rookies report to training camp, the team was able to lock down their biggest and brightest young star.

New York Jets first round pick Jamal Adams has finally signed his four-year rookie contract with the team, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says the deal is fully guaranteed and will pay Adams $22.3 million with a $14.3 million signing bonus.

New York will have the option to pick up a fifth year on Adams contract down the line.

Adams, the sixth-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was one of six first round picks Wednesday evening without a contract. With Adams and Chiefs rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes II signing on Thursday, only four top picks remain unsigned.

San Francisco’s Solomon Thomas, Cleveland’s Jabrill Peppers, Tennessee’s Corey Davis and Oakland’s Gareon Conley remain unsigned.

More from NFL Draft

A product of the LSU Tigers, Adams has been regarded by many as one of the best athletes in the 2017 NFL Draft class. He’ll play alongside fellow rookie Marcus Maye as the Jets starting safeties on a team many have labeled as having the worst roster of all time.

Here’s an excerpt of my scouting report on Adams prior to the NFL Scouting Combine this past winter:

"You can often find Adams near the football, mostly because he diagnoses plays extremely well. He’ll play better in the box when he can engage the ball carrier, making him a prototypical NFL strong safety.Adams does need to make more tackles and attempt less bone-crushing hits, something that will hopefully come with maturity. Strong safeties need to have elite tackling ability, and Adams must hone in on that skill."

There’s certainly some work ahead for Adams, but with a young roster being molded by head coach Todd Bowles Adams has the potential to be an All-Pro safety.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Successfully Suck For Sam Darnold

New York heads into the 2017 season with competition across the board, but none as marquee as the quarterback position. Sophomore Christian Hackenberg will look to prove himself as an NFL starter while battling third-year passer Bryce Petty and veteran Josh McCown.

Jobs are also to be had at wide receiver after the team released veteran Eric Decker late in the offseason. Robby Andrerson, Quincy Enunwa, Charone Peake, and rookies Chad Hansen and ArDarius Stewart will compete for starting roles when training camp begins next week.

Home/NFL Draft