One of the biggest surprises from Las Vegas Raiders training camp is the reunion between Jamal Adams and Pete Carroll, who coached the former All-Pro defensive back in Seattle. The question now is, where will he fit with the Silver and Black?
Jamal Adams Finds a New Home—and Familiar Face—in Vegas
The Raiders raised eyebrows when they signed Adams just before training camp. But for Carroll, the move wasn’t about nostalgia—it was about potential.
Carroll, who once traded a king’s ransom to bring Adams to Seattle, sees a renewed opportunity for the three-time Pro Bowler to thrive in a fresh role. “I told him right off the bat, I want him to play inside,” Carroll stated. “He’s always been so instinctive and aggressive… a fantastic blitzer over his time.”
Rather than slotting Adams back into a traditional safety spot, Carroll is planting him at WILL linebacker—where his hard-hitting style, quick reads, and blitzing ability can wreak havoc. “He’s jumped right into the WILL spot,” Carroll confirmed. “It gives us some flexibility we’re going to grow with.”
Physically, Adams looks the part. He’s a beast, plainly put. After a serious injury sidelined him recently, the 29-year-old is reportedly stronger, healthier, and a perfect schematic fit. “He looks like he’s back,” Carroll noted. “Weighing a little more than he was before, he fit just right.” It’ll certainly be intriguing to see how Adams evolves into his new role—he has the physical gifts to aid him, that’s for sure.
Beyond the scheme, it’s the personal connection that makes this reunion special. Carroll is fully aware of the mental, emotional, and physical contributions Adams can make. “We made a big trade to get him because of who he is,” Carroll recalls, referencing the previous move he made to bring Adams to Seattle. “His style of play is so suitable for what we’re trying to do here—being aggressive and tough.”
In short, Adams represents more than a mere entry on the depth chart. He serves as a strategic chess piece, a tone-setter, and a well-known firebrand in a defense that is being redefined with youth and intensity.
“We’ll see what happens,” Carroll said with a grin. “He’s competing.”
And that’s exactly how Adams likes it.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images