Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated reports that he received a message from a "well-placed source," saying that talk surrounding New York Jets safety Jamal Adams possibly heading to the San Francisco 49ers is "picking up steam."
"This doesn't mean Adams is coming to the 49ers," Cohn notes, "but it certainly has more reality than it did a few days ago. And it would be a big deal."
We always recommend that you temper your expectations when it comes to such rumors, but the beat writer did put it out there. Cohn doesn't offer up any additional information surrounding the message that he received.
The Jets made Adams the No. 6 overall selection in 2017 after playing college football at LSU. He registered 74 tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, an interception, a touchdown, and two forced fumbles through 14 games with the Jets in 2019.
Adams, 24, has recorded 266 tackles, 12 sacks, 25 passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and six forced fumbles through his three NFL seasons. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2019.
Rich Cimini of ESPN reported on June 18 that Adams, who is seeking a new contract, requested a trade from the New York Jets. The safety later named several desirable destinations, including the 49ers.
There is some skepticism surrounding San Francisco being interested in making a blockbuster trade for Adams, given the team's salary-cap situation and the fact that it already has several key players slated for free agency next year.
Then you have Cimini stating that the Jets are not interested in trading Adams.
"My sources tell me they're not going to trade him," Cimini recently said during an interview on KNBR. "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."
What might it take to change the Jets' minds?
"I think, realistically, you're talking about a one and a three or a one and a four," Cimini responded.
The ESPN reporter noted that the 49ers, like the other teams on Adams' list of desirable destinations, will likely select in the bottom portion of the first round next year, which might not be a good value for the Jets.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.