Pete Carroll keeps showing his loyalty. That is a wonderful trait for a human being, but not so much for a football coach. Carroll holding on to players and coaches too long was a big reason the Seattle Seahawks were forced to let Carroll go after the 2022 season. He didn't like change.
Now, Pete Carroll is the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, and the loyalty he showed to players in Seattle is likely going to doom his new team. At least, at one position. Maybe quarterback Geno Smith, who the Seahawks traded to the Raiders this offseason, will be fine. Jamal Adams won't.
Surprisingly, while Adams had issues finding a home last offseason after Seattle released him ahead of training camp (he eventually found one), and the safety had no takers this offseason after another injury-plagued season with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas is willing to spend money on Adams.
Former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll decides to take another chance on Jamal Adams
To be fair, we here at 12th Man Rising assumed Jamal Adams would not find a home and might be forced into early retirement. Not that the safety is the Seahawks' concern anymore, but many 12s probably hope Pete Carroll does well. Adams isn't going to help with that.
The question about the safety isn't if he will find a team to play for, but why the Raiders are willing to take the risk. If Pete Carroll were not the coach of Las Vegas, Adams would probably still be sitting on his couch. The coach is taking a risk with his on-field product and the culture of his locker room.
Jamal Adams cannot cover well, and hasn't been able to do so for years. He isn't going to help Carroll's secondary. Perhaps, the safety works in more of a hybrid role, and the Raiders use him as a situational pass rusher. The Detroit Lions tried that when picking Adams up late in 2024 after the Titans released him (because he stayed hurt), and Adams gave the Lions nothing.
Breaking: 3x Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams is signing with the #Raiders, per multiple sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 22, 2025
Reunited with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, I’m told Adams is in excellent shape and the healthiest he’s been in years. pic.twitter.com/EF3ymBDFVR
What might have cemented Jamal Adams' leaving Seattle was something he did off the field. Ahead of Week 15 of the 2023 season, Adams was informed he wasn't going to play against the Philadelphia Eagles. After learning this, he either left the stadium or stayed home. Either way, he showed he thought he was bigger than his team.
Again, Seattle Seahawks fans don't have to worry about Jamal Adams hurting their favorite team by being easily beaten in coverage. 12s also probably don't want Adams to doom Pete Carroll's first season with his new team. The hope might be that Adams doesn't make the 53-man roster.