Over the past three days, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been quite active. They signed Russell Wilson to a minimum
deal over the weekend. They signed three-year contract with All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen from the Ravens on
Tuesday. They made yet another significant move later in the day. Diontae Johnson was dealt to the Panthers by
them. Given that they are currently being connected to a former All-Pro, it appears that they may not be done
grabbing news.
Based on what he’s heard, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan reports that the Steelers may sign former Seattle
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams. The Seahawks made a significant sacrifice in 2020 to get Adams. Adams and a fourth
round pick were acquired by them from the Jets in exchange for safety Bradley McDougald, two first-round
selections, and a third-round pick. After a year, they agreed to give Adams a contract extension that would pay him
$70.6 million over the course of four years, making the transaction even more costly for them. Regretfully, neither
the contract nor the exchange ever truly paid off.
Following his debut season in Seattle, Adams was selected as a Second Team All-Pro. Despite playing in just 12
games, he recorded 9.5 sacks and made 83 tackles.
The next season, Adams missed time again while still participating in 12 games. Even so, he only managed to muster
87 tackles and failed to register a sack.
His ailments really started to bother him in 2022 when he was limited to only one game due to a ruptured quad.
When he came back in 2023, he only participated in nine games due to injury once more.
He missed 33 games and only appeared in 34 for the Seahawks overall.
The Adams deal was a bust for the Seahawks due to injuries and a lack of effectiveness in pass coverage.
He will now attempt to work with a new staff to get his career back on track.
Adams’ injury history would undoubtedly raise questions if the Steelers signed him, but he might still be a good fit
for the group.
Because he will be lining up with Minkah Fitzpatrick in Pittsburgh, his lack of effect in coverage might not be as
much of an issue. Since joining the Steelers, Fitzpatrick has performed admirably in coverage, and in 2022, he
matched for the league lead in interceptions.
Additionally, Adams might strengthen the Steelers’ run defense.
Adams was a valuable asset against the run with an aggressive game style that often saw him involved in tackles
before he really started missing time.
Should he remain that player in good health, he might contribute to the Steelers’ defense being more comprehensive,
particularly if they make a move at cornerback to lessen the need for his covering skills.
The Steelers had been anticipated to make an attempt at the position and could have their choice of talented
candidates to fill this void given the strength of this year’s free agent safeties class.
Adams would be a terrific match for a team that has been busy adding All-Pros this offseason if they are sure he can
stay healthy and if they can keep his cost down.
