By Jeff Moeller, The New York Extra/thenyextra.com
The Jamal Adams trade embers were reignited again Wednesday afternoon.
Or were they? The match may have been lit again, and we’ll wait and see.
On his Twitter account, Adams responded to a tweet from CCN reporter Jennifer Hansler that Jets owner Woody Johnson was investigated by the State Department for his racist and sexist comments in his role as US ambassador to the United Kingdom, a role he had had since 2017 when he passed team responsibilities to his brother, Chris.
Adams countered, “Right is right. Wrong is wrong! If u don’t think this is wrong you’re part of the problem not the solution.”
Johnson added via Twitter, “I have followed the ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times. These false claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values.”
The 24-year-old, two-time All-Pro safety and vocal leader of the team certainly is entitled to state his opinion on arguably the top issues that has simmered the country.
At the time of this writing, Adams didn’t counter punch with a tweet.
The fact that it came from a Jets top-level official likely caused Adams to get his thumbs in motion. Adams is upset with the national issue, but it’s not the real issue for him.
He continues to be obviously and openly frustrated the Jets haven’t expedited his long-term extension demands in recent months.
Approximately a month ago, Adams stated eight teams that he would be suitable new homes for the 2020 season. Yes, the Cowboys are still on top of the list for the native Texan.
With the presumed start of training camp — July 28 if the Coronavirus doesn’t rearrange the schedule – in his sights, it surely added some kindling to the flame.
Adams can be in the conversation as one of the top safeties in the game, but he still has room to grow with only three years under his belt. Two more years –the current length of his contract –surely would enhance his case.
This could be a pivotal year for the 2017 No. 1 pick, as the Jets appear to be on the threshold of reaching another level with the makings of a productive offseason.
However, he doesn’t have the leverage with two years on his current deal before free agency. Since 2011, only four defenders drafted in the first round — J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn, Patrick Peterson, and Luke Kuechly—have received extensions after their third seasons.
He can holdout, but under the new CBA, Adams will lose a year of credit toward free agency if he doesn’t report for the beginning of camp. The old deal stated the penalty would be enforced if a player didn’t report 30 days before the start of the regular season.
Ironically, flip back the book to 2010 when Darrell Revis held out before a deal was cut before the eve of the regular season.
Will history repeat itself? The Jets have been steadfast not to trade Adams and appear content for him to play out his remaining two years. They did draft highly touted rookie safety Ashtyn Davis.
It has been 10 months that Adams first voiced his displeasure with the Jets when GM Joe Douglas apparently initiated trade talks with Dallas in October. Since then, the relationship has been as strained as a typical, stubborn family-member squabble over money.
For both sides, the window is closing with August around the next turn. Does Adams play the good soldier, or do the Jets break down for a Labor Day barbecue with him?
Wait to see who blinks…or check his Twitter.