Sportsnaut
Heading into training camp, which officially gets underway Saturday, Aug. 1, some would argue adding a veteran edge rusher is the Minnesota Vikings‘ biggest need. But that doesn’t mean other areas can’t be improved too.
On Monday, the team waived undrafted rookie linebacker Keli Lawson. Now, general manager Nolan Teasley has found a replacement.
Related: Former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler Targeting NFL Comeback at Age 38
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings have signed Jamal Adams to a contract. Schultz adds that the chance to land a unique role in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defense stood out as a special opportunity to Adams.
“Jamal Adams liked the opportunity to have a chance to earn a role with a Brian Flores defense, which has a history of utilizing players like him,” Schultz said.
Jamal Adams liked the opportunity to have a chance to earn a role with a Brian Flores defense, which has a history of utilizing players like him… https://t.co/3U5m4vmvi4
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 28, 2026
Still just 30 years old, Adams is someone the Vikings’ GM is familiar with from their days together with the Seattle Seahawks. Teasley was actually part of Seattle’s front office when the team traded two first-round picks, a third-round selection, plus safety Bradley McDougald in exchange for Adams and a fourth-round pick.
Last year, the Las Vegas Raiders had Adams convert from safety to linebacker. Adams played in a total of just 15 games from 2022 to 2024, so being able to suit up for all 17 last season with the Raiders came as a revelation for the three-time Pro Bowler.
He managed to record 45 tackles (5 for loss), a forced fumble, and a sack while starting four of his 17 appearances last season. Now he’ll join a bit of a crowded linebacker depth chart in Minnesota, where he’ll have to fight for a spot amongst starters Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson or try to fit in among the backups, which include Ivan Pace Jr. and second-round rookie Jake Golday.
As a nine-year veteran, Adams has the potential to be a valued addition to a Vikings defense that said goodbye to longtime defensive captain Harrison Smith, who is still unsigned and unretired. It’s possible Adams will be asked to spend some time at safety too, which is where he became a three-time All-Pro selection (2x First-Team, 1x Second-Team).
If he’s asked to compete at safety, the opportunity for snaps is more wide-open. Josh Metellus is entrenched as a starter, but Flores likes to use three safeties, and neither Theo Jackson nor Jay Ward are proven. Perhaps third-round rookie Jakobe Thomas can earn a large role, but again, Adams could be a factor in the secondary too.
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