Jamal Adams Vikings move brings three-time Pro Bowler to Minnesota
Jamal Adams said he is joining the Vikings, with a league source confirming to ESPN after the 30-year-old posted a #skol hint on X.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
The Jamal Adams Vikings move broke Monday night in a very modern way: a short social media post from the player, followed by confirmation to ESPN from a league source.
ESPN reported that Adams, 30, has agreed to join Minnesota for his 10th NFL season. The three-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he moved from safety to linebacker.
What did Jamal Adams post about the Vikings?
Adams announced the move on X with the message “Year 10,” adding the hashtag “#skol” and placing the post alongside a Vikings logo, according to ESPN. “Skol” is a well-known rallying cry for Minnesota fans.
The post was brief, but the meaning was clear enough for Vikings watchers: Adams is headed to Minnesota after a season in Las Vegas that put him back on the field for a full slate.
How did Adams play last season?
According to ESPN, Adams played in 17 games for the Raiders last season, his highest total since he appeared in 16 games for the New York Jets in 2018.
He finished that Raiders season with 45 tackles, one sack, seven pressures and a forced fumble, ESPN reported. He also had at least four tackles in five different games.
The position switch was part of the story. Adams entered the NFL as a safety and built his reputation there, but ESPN reported that he converted to linebacker during his time with Las Vegas.
What is Jamal Adams’ NFL background?
Adams arrived in the league as a major Jets investment. New York selected him sixth overall in the 2017 NFL draft, and he quickly became one of the league’s standout defensive backs.
In three seasons with the Jets, covering 46 games, Adams made two Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019, according to ESPN.
Before the 2020 season, the Jets traded Adams to the Seattle Seahawks. ESPN reported that injuries limited him to 34 games in Seattle, though he still added another Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
Adams later had a brief 2024 run split between the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, playing five games across those stops, according to ESPN.
Across 102 career games, including 87 starts, Adams has totaled 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four interceptions and 36 pass deflections, ESPN reported.
Now Minnesota gets a veteran defender with a résumé that includes top-draft-pick status, All-Pro honors and experience at more than one position. ESPN staff writer Ryan McFadden contributed to the network’s report.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.