Report: Jamal Adams to push for LB designation if Seahawks tag him in 2022

Jamal Adams will reportedly challenge his designation as a safety if the Seattle Seahawks franchise tag him in 2022, a source told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. He will argue that he's a linebacker. 

Contract discussions between Adams and the Seahawks have stalled, opening the door for the team to tag him next year, Florio adds. 

The franchise tag is a one-year tender worth no less than the average of a position's top five salaries. Franchise-tagged linebackers have earned significantly more than franchise-tagged safeties. 

According to Spotrac, the average of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL is $14.5 million per year, compared to $17.6 million for linebackers. 

Adams has started every game of his career at safety, but Seattle had him closer to the line of scrimmage last season and often had him rush the passer. He finished with 9.5 sacks, which is unheard of for a safety. 

Adam Jude and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reported last week that the Seahawks made their final offer to Adams: $17.5 million annually on a four-year contract with $38 million guaranteed. It would make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Adams' representatives reportedly countered with $40 million guaranteed, but the Seahawks aren't willing to budge on their latest offer, the Seattle Times added. 

Adams is currently set to play the 2021 season on his $9.86 million fifth-year option.

Justin Simmons is currently the NFL's highest-paid safety after signing a $61 million deal with the Denver Broncos. Darius Leonard is the league's highest-paid linebacker after recently agreeing to a $98.5 million deal.