It was time for Jamal Adams and the Seattle Seahawks to part ways

The Seattle Seahawks are entering a retooling phase. It’s not quite a full-on rebuild but there’s enough movement within the organization on and off the field that the team will look quite different next season. It was announced on Tuesday that the Seahawks would be releasing three-time Pro Bowl safety, Jamal Adams. Looking back at his four seasons in the Pacific Northwest, and what the Seahawks gave up in acquiring the former All-Pro, it’s safe to say Seattle didn’t get what they bargained for.

Giving up first-round picks for anyone in the NFL is a big deal but doing it for a strong safety is even more of a risk. At the time Adams had just finished his first three years in the league with the Jets with back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and his one All-Pro appearance. His first year in Seattle went pretty much according to plan as he made his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Adams even had 9.5 sacks that first season with the Seahawks and hasn’t recorded another since. As a safety who made his name playing in the box, Adams’ first four years in the NFL were a testament to this helping to stop the run and executing safety blitzes. From year one to four Adams’ sack total increased each season.

Over the last couple of years, Adams has dealt with injuries that have cost him time on the field. But even when he’s been on the field Adams hasn’t looked like the same player that arrived in Seattle in 2020. Zero sacks in three years after nearly 10 in year one is why fans in the Emerald City have rejoiced upon hearing the news about Adams. Seattle is also parting ways with their other three-time Pro Bowl safety, Quandre Diggs.

So, the retooling is in full effect especially when factoring Pete Carroll being ousted and new head coach Mike Macdonald stepping in. Deciding to stick with Geno Smith a while longer is mainly what keeps this from being called a rebuild. But the team was able to get Smith to restructure his deal. With free agency and the draft around the corner, it feels like Macdonald and the Seahawks may have a few more tricks up their sleeves.