Vikings Add Three-Time All-Pro Jamal Adams to Strengthen Defense
The Minnesota Vikings continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 season, and their latest move adds a proven veteran to Brian Flores’ defense. Minnesota has reportedly signed three-time All-Pro Jamal Adams, bringing in an experienced defender capable of filling multiple roles.
Although Adams built his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier safeties, he transitioned to linebacker during his stint with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. That versatility gives the Vikings another chess piece on defense while they continue to await a decision from longtime standout Harrison Smith about whether he’ll return for a 15th NFL season.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, Adams agreed to terms with Minnesota after recording 45 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack with the Raiders in 2025.
Veteran Brings Experience and Versatility
Adams enters Minnesota after earning more than $71 million during a career that has included stops with the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, and Raiders.
The former sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft quickly established himself as one of the league’s top defensive backs, earning two Pro Bowl selections during his first three seasons with the Jets. He added another Pro Bowl appearance after being traded to Seattle before spending time with Detroit, Tennessee, and Las Vegas.
Over his career, Adams has totaled 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. While injuries and declining coverage ability prompted his move closer to the line of scrimmage, his physical style of play and positional flexibility remain valuable assets.
The Vikings are expected to use Adams in a variety of roles, including as a linebacker, pass rusher, and situational coverage defender.
Flores Could Maximize Adams’ Skill Set
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for his aggressive, versatile schemes, making Adams a natural fit. Former NFL safety Devin McCourty believes Flores’ creativity could help Adams thrive in Minnesota’s defense.
If Harrison Smith ultimately returns, the Vikings would feature a versatile defensive trio of Smith, Adams, and Josh Metellus, giving Flores multiple interchangeable pieces capable of disguising coverages and creating pressure from different alignments.
Of course, Adams still has something to prove. After several injury-plagued seasons and a position change, he’ll need to earn his role and show he can still be an impact defender.
Even so, Minnesota offers an ideal opportunity for the veteran to revive his career while competing on a team looking to return to the playoffs after finishing 9-8 and narrowly missing the postseason last year. With a defense built around flexibility and aggression, Adams could have the chance to make a meaningful impact in his latest NFL stop.
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