A day before the Vikings returned after a long offseason, the club surprisingly acquired free agent Jamal Adams. Once a premier player in the NFL, he’s well past his prime, but Brian Flores might still have a role for the linebacker.
Just a couple of days later, Adams made his first appearance on the practice field and chatted with the local media, where he revealed two reasons why he came to the Twin Cities. His very first question in a purple uniform: “Why Minnesota?” His response? “Nolan [Teasley] and B-Flo [Brian Flores].”
Defensive coordinator Flores is a popular coach among players, as he’s a master at putting his guys in the best spot to succeed, especially unorthodox players, who can play various roles and get after the quarterback.
Adams was asked again about Flores, and added, “It’s really unique. B-Flo was with the Patriots when I was with the Jets and [I] always had a lot of respect from afar, always kept up with him. It’s certain DCs in the league that you pray you could play for them one day. We fit each other, so I’m excited to be here.”
The fit is obvious, as Adams has always been a box safety (and recently a linebacker), with the ability to change the game with his blitzing ability. Suddenly, he’s playing for a coach who’s chasing records in blitz frequency and loves to deploy his safeties close to the line of scrimmage.
Coming into the league, Adams was, indeed, a safety, but he has always played like a secret linebacker with a safety tag. Last year, the Raiders actually played him at linebacker at all times and the Vikings now list him as one as well. Handing him number 54, a typical linebacker number, is another clue.
Yet, he’s not here to play a specific role. In fact, he’s here to do whatever the coaches ask of him, he emphasized jokingly.
“I can play linebacker, safety, corner, nose tackle, defensive end, kicker. It don’t even matter. Whatever you want me to play, I’ll play. You want me to walk the dog, I’ll walk the dog.”
The Vikings are obviously set at kicker, which Mr. Adams will see when Will Reichard takes the field. In all seriousness, Adams’ potential role has caused some controversy surrounding Harrison Smith and Ivan Pace. At this point in his career, replacing the possibly retired Smith is far-fetched. Pace, meanwhile, could be the real competition at backup linebacker with a specific rotational role.
Adams is the superior player in coverage, which could come in handy in a division stacked at slot receiver and tight end. He used to be a poor safety in coverage with a big body, but the move to linebacker has flipped both attributes. Pace has been a fantastic special-teamer; Adams is not known for that.
Flores, of course, was also questioned about his newcomer’s role, saying: “I tell guys all the time, ‘Your role with this group is whatever you make it’. The more you can do and be productive with, I think Metellus is a good example of that. He’s got a lot of catching up to do as far as playbook and getting comfortable. But 36 hours in, it’s been good.”
Linebacker, safety, only time will tell.
From a contractual standpoint, Adams isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot. He signed a cheap $1.3 million deal without any guarantees. The Vikings could just move on if they can’t find a spot for the veteran. It was one of the first moves of GM Teasley, who Adams reunites with after spending some time together in Seattle.
“That was my guy, man,” Adams said about Teasley. “Just being a good human. Nolan is a good guy. He means well and takes care of his players. He’s the right guy for the job. When he got the job, it was a no-brainer for me.”
Adams, now 30 years old, has played in 102 career games. Injuries derailed his 2020s, but he appeared in all 17 games last year, more than in the previous three campaigns combined. His stat sheet shows 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks, and 55 tackles for loss.
On paper, he fits well in Flores’ aggressive defense.
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