NFL free agency: Former 1st rounder worth a flyer for Browns to add LB depth

Jamal Adams has gone from 6th overall pick to traded for big return to vet minimum?

With the NFL draft in our rearview mirror, NFL free agency is mostly limited to veterans players looking for the right spot to catch on. Former Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. found a landing spot on a small contract with some upside, can his former team find that kind of veteran?

I am just throwing this out as a suggestion. If you were to look at the free agents that are available currently, you would see some names that are surprising to a lot of people. Specifically, if you look at the safety position, aside from Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs, there is one player that sticks out (to some degree): Jamal Adams.

Should the Browns go after Adams? I would take a flier. Why not?

Making the case for Cleveland Browns going after Jamal Adams

It’s not necessarily a priority that the Browns should go after Adams but it is something that should be a topic of conversation. The Seattle Seahawks decided to cut ties with both of their starting safeties this offseason, Diggs & Adams.

Adams being cut was a combination of money and the simple fact that Adams couldn’t stay on the field after only missing two games during his tenure with the Jets.

However, despite being cut, Seattle and Adams remain in contact. But they aren’t the only team interested in his services. NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers are interested in Adams.

If Cleveland were to look into Adams, it would be mainly to play in the box as a linebacer, not to be a safety. Despite what the narratives say regarding Adams, Adams can still be an impact player. Can he be an all-pro? Probably not, but he can contribute to a winning team if necessary.

When you watch the tape, despite the issues that he has in coverage (which isn’t his strong suit), his run defense and his ability to close out on screen plays is something that can’t be ignored. Adams is also very adept at rushing the passer from the second level.

Despite Seattle’s defense having their fair share of issues last season, when he was on the field the defense looked different and somewhat cohesive despite finishing towards the bottom in defensive efficiency overall.

Last year, in just nine games, Adams had 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two QB hits and two passes defended.

Where would Jamal Adams play and how much would it cost?

In terms of how much it would cost to get Adams, not a lot. A one-year prove-it deal with incentives could work for both parties. As for where he could play, as I’ve mentioned he would play primarily in the box, likely on the weakside as he’s too undersized to be the Mike (middle) linebacker.

Jim Schwartz is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league and Adams would be utilized a bit better than he was in Seattle. Seattle would have him out of position at times and not using him to his strengths. Adams would likely be in the spot that was once occupied by Sione Takitaki, who is currently with the New England Patriots. Adams would be used in different packages and could help as long as the scheme does not require him to cover in space.

I am not saying that the Browns should zero in on Adams, but he is someone that Cleveland should look at. The team seems to lack depth at the linebacker position, somewhere Adams could provide help to right away.

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Do you think the Browns should look to sign Adams to help with depth at linebacker?