Ex-Seahawks safety Jamal Adams to join Vikings

The three-time Pro Bowler spent four up-and-down seasons in Seattle from 2020-23.

Jul 28, 2026, 8:21 AM

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 07: Jamal Adams #33 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams said he’s joining the Minnesota Vikings on the eve of training camp.

The three-time Pro Bowler announced the move on social media Monday night, posting “Year 10” and the Vikings’ “skol” hashtag.

Even after title, Seahawks may still be an ‘ascending’ team

Adams, 30, spent four up-and-down seasons in Seattle from 2020-23 before the Seahawks released him in March 2024 with two years remaining on his contract.

Adams played a combined five games with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans in 2024. He changed positions last season, playing 17 games at linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Adams was drafted by the New York Jets with the No. 7 overall pick in 2017. He was a two-time Pro Bowler in his three seasons with the Jets.

Seattle acquired Adams in the summer of 2020 by dealing two first-round picks to the Jets in a blockbuster trade. Adams had a stellar first season in the Pacific Northwest, setting an NFL record for defensive backs in a single season with 9.5 sacks while using his versatility to play all over the field. During 2021 training camp, he signed a four-year, $70 million extension with the Seahawks that made him the league’s highest-paid safety.

However, things turned south after that. Adams struggled to remain healthy over his final three seasons with Seattle, playing in just 22 of 51 games between 2021 and 2023. His pass-rushing production also fell off, as he didn’t record a single sack in those 22 games. He also struggled in coverage throughout his Seattle tenure, earning a Pro Football Focus coverage grade that ranked in the bottom 25% of qualified safeties in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

There were other issues, too. In 2023, Adams lashed out on the sideline at an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who had examined him for a concussion. And later that season, he made a disparaging post about an NFL reporter’s wife on social media.

Seattle Sports staff made additions to this post.

Seahawks waive running back Kenny McIntosh