Jamal Adams signs with Minnesota Vikings
By FF Beacon
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Updated
Jamal Adams signs with Minnesota Vikings on one-year deal
Jamal Adams, S/LB, agreed to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Adam Schefter reported Monday night, with Adams confirming the move on social media by posting "Year 10 #skol."
Adams, 30, spent the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after reuniting with coach Pete Carroll. He appeared in all 17 games for the first time in his career, recording 45 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. That came largely in a linebacker role, a switch from his original position at safety. The Raiders did not bring him back after signing Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean to three-year contracts at linebacker this offseason.
Why Minnesota makes sense
Vikings GM Nolan Teasley was part of the Seattle front office that acquired Adams in a blockbuster trade from the Jets before the 2020 season, so there is an existing relationship. According to research notes, Adams was drawn to the chance to earn a role in Brian Flores' defense, which has a history of using versatile hybrid defenders.
Adams projects as a linebacker or hybrid piece in Minnesota rather than a traditional safety. He made three Pro Bowls across his career with the Jets and Seahawks, though injuries limited him to 34 games over three seasons in Seattle.
What this means for Vikings IDP
Adams logged only four starts in 17 games in 2025. Unless his role expands significantly in Flores' scheme, his IDP ceiling is capped. He is worth a look in deeper leagues that reward linebacker/hybrid designations, but do not reach for him expecting a return to his Jets-era production.
The more consequential IDP question in Minnesota remains Harrison Smith (S, Vikings). The Vikings released Smith on March 11 but have left the door open for a return if he decides against retirement. Minnesota drafted Jakobe Thomas (S) in the third round but has limited proven depth behind that spot. If Smith retires and Thomas steps into a full-time role, Thomas becomes far more relevant for IDP managers. Adams' addition does not change that math much either way.