Raiders' Jamal Adams makes case that position change can work out in Vegas

Jamal Adams is having to prove himself all over again.

It's a different situation for one of the most talented defenders in recent NFL vintage to be in. For a long time, everyone knew what Adams brought to the table.

Now, though, the Las Vegas Raiders have taken a chance on the former star safety. He hasn't been able to stay healthy, and the Raiders are changing his position.

Adams is set to be a linebacker in Vegas, not a safety.

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He made his preseason debut at that spot on Thursday night in a 23-23 tie against the Seahawks, and he played well.

"(Adams) looked solid at weak-side linebacker, as he was active around the line of scrimmage," wrote ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "In 14 defensive snaps, Adams had three tackles, including two run stuffs. On third and long in the second quarter, Adams burst up the middle before tackling Seattle running back Damien Martinez."

Adams was always strong around the line of scrimmage in his safety days, so this really isn't that surprising.

Adams most recently played five games total in 2024, split between the Titans and Lions. He played nine games in 2023 and just one in 2022.

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In his eight-year NFL career (Seahawks, Jets, Titans, Lions), Adams has played in 85 games and recorded 501 tackles, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 36 passes defensed and four interceptions.

Adams is still just 29 years old. There's still NFL future here, if his body has enough left to stay healthy and on the field.

The Raiders may have just unlocked the next chapter for Adams, and Vegas is certainly hoping that it's a good one.

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