Jets Rumors: Jamal Adams Won't Take Part in Virtual OTAs Due to Contract

New York Jets safety Jamal Adams will reportedly skip the organization's voluntary virtual OTAs. He has two years of team control remaining on his rookie contract—one guaranteed year and a team option for a fifth season in 2021.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the update Friday and noted the Jets haven't "expressed any official interest in extending Adams thus far in the offseason."

Adams earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection by recording 75 total tackles, seven passes defended, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and a touchdown in 14 games last season.

"Jamal is an unbelievable player. We're excited about Jamal. The plan is for Jamal to be a Jet for life," New York general manager Joe Douglas told reporters in February. "We've had some preliminary talks with his agent. I'm not going to get into the specifics of that. But the plan is for Jamal to be here a long time."

Adams' $7.2 million cap hit for 2020 represents a significant bargain for the Jets.

"It's a business," he said on NFL Network last month. "I understand."

Adams figures to become one of the league's highest-paid safeties when he signs a new contract. Here's a look at the leaders in different benchmarks at the position, per Spotrac:

• 2020 Total Cash: Landon Collins ($16 million)
• 2020 Base Salary: Anthony Harris ($11.4 million)
• Average Contract Salary: Eddie Jackson ($14.6 million)
• Total Contract Value: Landon Collins ($84 million)

Since the virtual OTAs are voluntary, it wouldn't qualify as a holdout if Adams doesn't attend. All in-person team activities are delayed indefinitely because of COVID-19.

The key question is whether Adams will attend practices once teams receive clearance to resume normal preparations for the 2020 campaign. If not, the Jets will face ample pressure to get the face of their defense signed as they look to contend in the wide-open AFC East.

New York has $17 million in cap space to work with for the upcoming campaign.