3 trade scenarios 49ers could engineer for Jets safety Jamal Adams
By Peter Panacy
There’s no way the 49ers could come up with a workable trade package for disgruntled Jets superstar safety Jamal Adams, right?
On Wednesday, the thought the San Francisco 49ers could somehow land New York Jets All-Pro safety Jamal Adams via a trade gathered a bit of momentum, thanks to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn suggesting a would-be deal was “picking up steam.”
The report didn’t say a deal was imminent, although the disgruntled Adams did list the Niners as one of his preferred trade destinations, and it sure seems as if his time in New York will come to an end sooner than later.
For starters, San Francisco executing a trade for Adams would be a highly risky move. Sure, Adams is still playing on his rookie contract from the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s scheduled to make just over $7 million in 2020 while his fifth-year option will be worth a little over $9.8 million.
Yes, the 49ers can afford those numbers, which are very low for one of the league’s top defensive backs. But Adams wouldn’t come cheap, and it’s likely the asking price will be nothing less than a first-round draft pick.
The Niners have one of those for 2021, yes. But they don’t exactly have the cap space to take on a lucrative new deal in Adams’ soon-to-be future. At least not without seriously jeopardizing the ability to extend All-Pro tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and, at some point down the road, EDGE Nick Bosa.
Plus, getting highly productive players playing on rookie contracts is exceptionally valuable for teams pressed up against the salary cap. Waving farewell to draft picks is an immediate way to jeopardize that luxury, and the Niners would do so if Adams commanded a number of early picks in the coming season.
But if there were ways to make it happen, what could they possibly be?
Niner Noise explores three possibilities for an Adams deal.