The NFL is full of former Seattle Seahawks players, but the group seems to be either doing really well or greatly struggling. One might wonder how Seattle ever succeeded with such a diverse group. In part, the team didn't. The players are now other teams' worries.
For every Geno Smith, for instance, there is a Poona Ford. Smith is having one of the worst seasons of any quarterback in the NFL. Ford is currently the sixth-highest graded interior defensive lineman in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
But one player that likely no one thought would ever be good again has resurfaced, stunningly changed position, and been very good. Moreover, he has even stayed healthy so far. Who knew that linebacker Jamal Adams would have such an impact for the Las Vegas Raiders?
Former Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowler Jamal Adams doing well with the Raiders
As 12s know, Seattle made a bad trade for Adams in 2020, giving the New York Jets multiple first-round picks for the safety. For one season, Adams was special for the Seahawks. He set an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back with 9.5. Then, injuries really began to set in.
After missing 24 games combined between 2022 and 2023, the former safety appeared diminished and long-term affected by his injuries. He played for two teams last season and was ineffective for both. His only chance to play appeared to be a potential reunion with his former Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, with the Raiders.
Carroll is a loyal person, and likes to give people second and third chances, and did so for Adams when the player's career might have otherwise been done. Once with the Raiders, Adams was asked to switch to linebacker. Few thought the move would work. Even fewer assumed Adams would stay healthy.
Instead, Jamal Adams has been one of the few bright spots on a Raiders team that is otherwise terrible. Las Vegas is 2-5, but none of the blame falls on the former Seahawks Second-Team All-Pro. Adams has been decent at pressuring quarterbacks, but his highest value has been stopping the run.
Through the first seven games, Adams has 10 run stuffs. He also has four pressures and a sack, but that is from an inside linebacker position, one that doesn't lend itself to lots of scenarios to chase down quarterbacks.
How long Jamal Adams will stay healthy and playing well is unknown. Recent history suggests not long, but maybe he has finally found a team where he can be a benefit. That wasn't ever going to happen again with the Seattle Seahawks, but it did with Pete Carroll.