Pro Football Focus named New York Jets safety Jamal Adams to their list of the top-101 players from the 2019 season recently.

Between both New York football teams, the Jets and Giants, only Adams was selected for the list produced by the football analytics outlet.

Adams slotted in at the No. 32 overall spot.

Here's how PFF broke down Adams' selection:

"Jamal Adams has become one of the game's most versatile weapons on defense. In a league that is trending ever more towards matchup problems on offense, Adams is one of a new breed of defender that can solve those problems on defense. This season, Adams spent significant snaps at free safety (297), in the box (401), in the slot (131), lined up out wide as a boundary corner (34) and even on the defensive line as a legitimate edge rusher (96), and he was one of the most effective defenders in the game. As a pass-rusher, he racked up 25 total pressures from 101 rushing snaps, by far the most pressure and the second-most rushing snaps of any safety."

Adams' 2019 saw him produce 75 total tackles, seven passes defended, an interception and a career-high 6.5 sacks. In regard to PFF, Adams' overall grade of 88.2 for the 2019 season was the fifth-best safety mark handed out by the outlet. The 23-year-old defender was productive.

However, the overlying story from last season is certainly Adams' contract status with the team.

At the trade deadline, there was speculation whether or not the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas would ship him out. That didn't happen, and now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Adams wants his extension. The Jets do also have the fifth-year option on his rookie deal to consider.

But the latest news in late January indicated the two sides are progressing toward a long-term deal. Adams said he expects to get that done.

"I'd be lying if I said I don't expect to be extended. I do. Not for what I've just done on the field but even off the field for what I've done for the organization. I've done everything they've asked me to do. I've done it at a high level each and every year," Adams said.

As a team, the Jets struggled to a 7-9 record in Adam Gase's first season as their head coach. Removing the sixth-overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft wouldn't be a productive move if the Jets are looking to improve upon that record in 2020. Plus, the Jets defense wasn't as much a part of the problem, Gase's offense, which ranked dead last in the NFL last season, was.

But of course, what that new contract could look like is the question that needs answering.

Popular in the Community