The Pittsburgh Steelers need an answer at safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, and you can now look at a former Seattle Seahawks star to be their answer during free agency.
This offseason, the safety options on the open market are significant. There are stars at all levels and potential starters flooding free agency. The position has been one of need for several years for Pittsburgh, and now they have enough options to make something happen.
One name to watch is former Seahawk Jamal Adams. Following his release, the 28-year-old is searching for his third NFL team, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may be very excited for an opportunity to negotiate with him.
Tomlin was a big fan of Adams coming out of LSU in the 2017 NFL Draft. He attended his Pro Day, but had no shot at the sixth-overall pick when they picked 30th that season - thankfully selecting T.J. Watt.
Tomlin's fandom of Adams hasn't faded in seven seasons. The last time they played Seattle in 2021, the Steelers head coach spoke highly of the impact Adams makes on the field.
"That strong safety, we've got our hands full in terms of trying to minimize him, not only in terms of in the box, in terms of what he does in the run game, but he's just an outstanding blitzer," Tomlin said during his press conference that week. "I spent some time this summer delving back into 2020 tape and just looking at some opponents and looking at some players. This guy is the most dynamic secondary blitzer in football.
"The rate in which he gets to the quarterback, that is something to be respected. He gets on backs. He consistently beats backs in the blitz game in the ways that linebackers beat backs. Our backs are going to be challenged from a pickup standpoint. Our wideouts are going to be challenged on the perimeter running plays trying to minimize his impact in that area."
Adams is a three-time Pro Bowler and a former All-Pro. The last two years, he's played just 10 games due to injuries and has had a tough time staying healthy the last three seasons. Because of that, he'll be a cheaper option, and one that will come with some concern. But if Pittsburgh is open to signing a risk for a smaller salary, the upside of Adams is certainly there.
There are plenty of options at the safety position in free agency, but don't ignore the connection to Adams. And if Tomlin believes they can turn him back into the All-Pro he once was, they'll pursue him.
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