Soaring in Seattle
Blogger’s Note: Originally posted on my sports blog 747, covering everything New York Jets.
Yesterday, the Jets traded All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for safety Bradley McDougald — who was in the final year of his contract as Adams was — two first round picks and a third round pick. I was hoping it didn’t come down to this, but the writing was on the wall, particularly after he gave his side of the story in an interview he did with the New York Daily News I read earlier that day. A couple of hours later, I checked the web again to see if they traded him yet, and it was official: he was traded to the Seahawks.
He stated his unhappiness with the front staff, and if what he said is true, I totally understand his frustration. One of the things he stated that jumped out at me was the report that Jets chairman Chris Johnson wanted Adams to be “monitored,” I guess to see if Jamal’s loyalty was really with the Jets. If that’s the case, I see why he felt disrespected. Monitor him? As if he’s eight-years-old or something.
He also expressed that he didn’t think coach (Adam) Gase was the right guy to lead the Jets to a championship, stating that the he doesn’t establish a bond with the players. According to Adams, Gase wouldn’t even address the team at halftime. He would let another coach speak to them.
Although I was aware that this mess had been going on the past several months, I didn’t know it been going on longer than that. During the season, he removed the Jets from his social media accounts, although to be fair, their his account(s), so he’s not obligated to follow them. That was just a spark, what took place in the off-season was a freaking inferno.
Initially, I understood both sides of the situation. Although he was in the final year of his rookie contract, he wanted an extension. They were more focused on building and bringing in more talent, hoping he would wait. However, from what I’ve gathered it seems they jerked him around, going from making it a priority to extend him, but reneged as time drew closer, eventually making no offer at all, which led to him making a trade request. If that was the case, again, I totally understand his frustration and why he felt disrespected.
I also understand why this move had to be made. The way this was going with him publicly castigating the front office and the head coach along with openly expressing his discontent with the contract situation, he could’ve possibly been a distraction in the locker room and/or he could’ve played out the final year, but due to everything that went down, he might not have given 100 percent on the field. This brings me back to square one; although they could’ve been more upfront with him about their intentions, I understand both sides.
Adams also made it clear that this had nothing to do with the fans. Again, I understand. He spoke of their loyalty and appreciation of them embracing him the past three seasons. To me, if you read between the lines of his statement concerning the fans, he was saying his good-bye, then.
Only time will tell how everything will play out. Personally, I have mixed thoughts about it. They let a helluva player walk (via trade) but they did get helluva lot in return with two first round picks, a third round pick and a decent player in Bradley McDougald. On a side note, with Adams moving on, hopefully they will extend Marcus Maye, who is also in the last year of his rookie contract. I’m sure a lot of Jets fans are steamed by the trade. I hate to see him go, but he ( Jets GM Joe Douglas) freaking cleaned up from he got in return. I wish Jamal nothing but the best in Seattle.
