Jamal Adams joining electric Vikings defense

Jamal Adams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jamal Adams joining electric Vikings defense

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 11:40 AM ET

At one point in time, it appeared that safety Jamal Adams was on a career trajectory to be considered one of the best safeties in recent memory.

Injuries have derailed that path quite a bit, but after a bounce-back 2025 season, Adams has landed a deal with one of the fastest and most explosive defenses in the NFL.

Jamal Adams is joining the Minnesota Vikings

As first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Adams and the Minnesota Vikings are in agreement on a one-year deal for the 2026 season.

Last season was the first time Adams appeared in all 17 games since the 2018 season, his second season in the NFL.

The #Vikings have signed LB Jamal Adams (@Prez) and RB Jordan Mims (@jmims23).

: https://t.co/RkFCJSDTqg pic.twitter.com/g9NwkfhIvS
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 28, 2026

2025 was a major bounce-back season for Jamal Adams

As noted above, Adams appeared in every game last season and showed that he is still able to be a productive player. Adams, a three-time Pro Bowler, finished the season with 45 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. It was easily his most productive season since the 2021 season.

LB Jamal Adams in C2 playing hook/curl, defeats the block by the WR who goes in motion across formation, makes nice tackle, Crosby cleans it up at end.#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/Yi91Y64T75
— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) September 24, 2025

Can Jamal Adams continue his career resurgence?

Adams is expected to be used at linebacker in Minnesota, the same role he transitioned to with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. With the brilliant Brian Flores as his defensive coordinator, Adams will likely have the chance to fly around all over the field and continue to be a productive player in all phases of the game.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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