ESPN’s Rich Cimini explains why Jamal Adams to 49ers is unlikely

Jamal Adams has requested a trade. The New York Jets, however, have not granted the safety permission to seek one, and there is no indication that they will. Yet, Adams has already named seven teams where he wouldn't mind ending up, should a trade take place.

Adams wants a new contract. He is the Jets' best player and wants his salary to reflect that. Adams still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, though, since New York executed the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

Rich Cimini of ESPN was the first to report that Adams had requested a trade from the Jets, and his ESPN colleague, Adam Schefter, reported that the safety was interested in joining seven teams, one of which is the San Francisco 49ers.


If the teams on the list are the only options, Cimini doesn't envision the Jets having an easy time finding a trade partner. Obviously, an interested team would need to make an offer New York couldn't refuse, seeing that the Jets don't have a desire to part ways with Adams in the first place.

What would that take? Cimini was asked that during a Friday-morning interview on KNBR.

"Yeah, absolutely at minimum, a first-rounder," Cimini responded on the Murph and Mac show. "They'd be insane to let him go for anything less. Supposedly, at the trading deadline, they were asked for a one and two twos from Dallas, which is an enormous ask, and they knew it at the time. It was one of those make-me-an-offer-I-can't-refuse types of things."

Of the teams to which Adams would welcome a trade, only the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs last season. That creates another dilemma for the Jets, who would want to acquire as high a first-round pick as possible in exchange for their Pro Bowl and All-Pro safety.

"I think, realistically, you're talking about a one and a three or a one and a four," Cimini continued. "The problem with his list is — you're right, they're all really good teams. They're probably all going to be picking at the bottom of the first round. I mean, the 49ers, unless something crazy happens, they're probably going to be down in the mid-to-low 20s, or even lower. To me, that's not great value. You're going to have a hard time finding a partner and finding equal value.

"And let me add this: My sources tell me they're not going to trade him. They're intent to keep him. That's where the standoff comes in. He wants out, they don't want to trade him, and hello controversy."

Then you have the future cost. The 49ers already have several key players scheduled to hit free agency next year, including most of their cornerbacks, and need to figure out how to lock up others, like tight end George Kittle and offensive tackle Trent Williams, to long-term deals. While Adams is signed through 2021, he, too, is seeking a long-term contract.

Cimini adds that Adams doesn't just want to be the highest-paid safety in the NFL; he wants to reset the market and could be asking for up to $17 million per year. The reporter also notes that Adams' ideal destination might be the Dallas Cowboys, his hometown team.

"I think it's mostly about money," Cimini added, "but I think the losing here in New York has worn on him. He's 16-and-32 since coming to the Jets, and I think that has really taken a toll on his psyche. There were times after games last year where he just looked distraught and said, 'I'm tired of this losing.'"

You can listen to the entire conversation with Cimini below.