Clayton: Where Seahawks sit with Jamal Adams, after release of Smith

Aug 12, 2021, 2:43 PM

Jamal Adams has been sitting out Seahawks practice while looking for a contract extension. (Getty)

(Getty)

BY JOHN CLAYTON

Legendary Hall of Fame Reporter

The two biggest stories this week for the Seahawks involve Jamal Adams and Aldon Smith.

Salk: Big difference for Seahawks is that now, offense is the show

On Wednesday, the Seahawks made the surprising release of Smith. Meanwhile, they are getting close to a deal for Adams, which is very important.

According to Adam Jude and Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, the Seahawks and Adams have pretty much agreed on a $17.5 million a year contract. The only debate right now is the guarantees. Adams wants $40 million. The Seahawks are offering $38 million. Normally, the way deals go down in the NFL is that teams will pay about twice the annual salary in guarantees upon signing.

The way negotiations go, it’s hard for a player to win both the average and the guarantee. That’s why Adams shouldn’t hold to the demand for $40 million. He’s ahead of the game on the average and the guarantee. At least you know the Seahawks aren’t looking to pay Adams in average more than the $18 million a year given to Bobby Wagner.

Again, this deal should get done. The Seahawks started by offering $16 million a year. Seeing some of the most recent deals in the league, averages have risen. Middle linebackers Darius Leonard (Colts) and Fred Warner (49ers) reached the $19 million level. Ryan Ramczyk (Saints) took the right tackle market to $19.2 million. Quarterback Josh Allen got $43 million a year from the Buffalo Bills.

Adams has to be cautious with these numbers out, because if he continues to push for extra guarantees the team could put a deadline on the deal. Still, everything looks like it should get done quickly.

As for Smith, he received praise for his conditioning and the way he was playing in training camp. He was a great bonus to a deep group of pass rushers. Nobody knows what he did to break the trust of the team, but he apparently did something. He was making the minimum salary and received a $137,500 signing bonus. Depending on what led to the release, the Seahawks could go back for the signing bonus.

It would have been nice for Seattle if he made the team, but the Seahawks have enough options at pass rush. Watch for Alton Robinson to continue to grow.

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