5 best fits for Jamal Adams if Jets pursue trade

It's not often a bright, young defender finds himself on the trade block, but the New York Jets appear to be exploring a deal for its star safety.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas previously stated he doesn't intend on moving Adams in 2020, but rumors have surfaced that the team has been pursuing a deal since last October.

Latest reports indicate New York would require a first- and third-round pick in a potential trade, while the franchise acquiring Adams would still have to ink him to an extension worth $15 million or more annually, surpassing Eddie Jackson as the NFL's highest-paid player at the position.

With this in mind, here's a look at five possible fits for the All-Pro defender should he be dealt.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have been linked to Adams for what feels like forever and it's easy to see why. Jerry Jones is drawn to flashy players and his squad could stand to add more playmakers to its secondary after losing Byron Jones in free agency.

Adams grew up in nearby Lewisville, Texas. Dallas made a push to acquire him at the 2019 trade deadline but couldn't consummate a deal. While their interest in trading for the 24-year-old has reportedly faded, the Cowboys could see him as the final piece of the puzzle as they hunt for their first Lombardi Trophy in 26 years. Improving the defense has been a priority in 2020 with the team adding Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

The final factor surrounding the former first-round pick's potential fit in Dallas pertains to its salary cap situation. Already strapped for cash, the Cowboys still have a long-term contract with quarterback Dak Prescott to finalize. We don't know how the club would afford extending Adams, but you never know with Jones and Co.

Baltimore Ravens

The reigning AFC North champions were reportedly among the teams targeting Adams prior to last year's trade deadline. With a nearly unstoppable offense and a talented secondary, adding an All-Pro safety would give the Ravens an embarrassment of riches.

On paper, Adams profiles as a perfect complement to Earl Thomas. The ball-hawking defensive back, who signed with Baltimore in 2019 after nine incredible seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, thrives in the deep middle of the field and making plays on the ball. Meanwhile, the current Jet can be utilized closer to the line of scrimmage. He's a plus run defender and can successfully match up against running backs and tight ends in coverage.

The Ravens have enough cap space to make a long-term extension with Adams work and shouldn't mind parting with a first-round pick as they're set to compete for a Super Bowl for the foreseeable future. Picturing him next to Thomas would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Seattle Seahawks

Never shy to make an aggressive move, Pete Carroll and John Schneider could see Adams as a perennial All-Pro in the back end of Seattle's defense and well worth the Jets' asking price.

Seattle knows where its strengths are on defense heading into the 2020 campaign. Lacking a star pass-rusher, the team has focused on improving its coverage unit on the second and third level. The additions of Jordyn Brooks, Quinton Dunbar (should he avoid suspension), and Quandre Diggs (at last year's trade deadline) rounds out a stout secondary, and the addition of Adams would take the unit to the next level. It may not be the Legion of Boom, but what is?

Furthermore, starting strong safety Bradley McDougald is scheduled to hit free agency next offseason. Adding the All-Pro defender would not only upgrade the position long term, but would represent the closest Kam Chancellor replica the Seahawks have had since he retired.

Cleveland Browns

Armed with a plethora of cap space over the next few years, Cleveland could be a sneaky AFC contender for Adams' services. New head coach Kevin Stefanski is still looking to upgrade both sides of the ball in an effort to finally end an 18-year playoff drought.

The Browns underwent a complete overhaul at safety this offseason. Out are Damarious Randall, Eric Murray, and Juston Burris, while Andrew Sendejo, Karl Joseph, and rookie Grant Delpit entered. While the group should improve in 2020, it certainly doesn't come without question marks.

New general manager Andrew Berry may have his qualms with surrendering valuable draft capital for a non-premium position, but an improved defense could relieve pressure on an inconsistent scoring unit led by Baker Mayfield. It's nearly make-or-break time for the franchise.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs are all-in with Bruce Arians and Tom Brady, so why not continue the win-now trend and acquire an elite defender?

Tampa Bay's offense is set to thrive with new personnel in tow, so an improved stop unit - already among the league's most talented - would help Brady chase ring No. 7. Justin Evans and rookie Antoine Winfield Jr. are likely to see a handful of key snaps in 2020 but are better suited in space at the back end of the defense. Adams would round out a young, ascending group of cornerbacks and upgrade an elite run defense unit from a year ago.

Jason Licht's squad currently appears strapped against the salary cap but has enough flexibility to make a potential deal work. Converting a few core players' base salaries into bonuses would instantly solve this issue. With Super Bowl aspirations, the Buccaneers are perhaps the most fascinating potential landing spot for Adams.

Copyright (C) 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.