All-pro safety Jamal Adams has recently requested a trade from the Jets and has the Ravens listed as 1 of 7 teams he wants to be traded to. The Ravens have been interested in Adams since the trade deadline so interest seems mutual. Despite that, here’s three reasons it wouldn’t make sense for the Ravens to trade for Adams long term.
1. Ravens GM Eric Decosta is known for acquiring talent for a small return. However, there’s nothing Decosta can do to finesse Adams away from the Jets. New York is looking for a package including multiple high picks and a solid player.
The Ravens are known for being great at developing young talent through the draft so it wouldn’t make sense to give up a surplus of picks.
2. The second reason the Ravens shouldn’t trade for Adams is because there’s no need for another safety. Baltimore currently boasts a duo of veteran Earl Thomas and future superstar Chuck Clark. They also have Deshon Elliott, Geno Stone and Anthony Levine Sr. for depth. There’s no need to add Jamal Adams.
3. Ravens fans seem to be forgetting why Adams has requested a trade – he wants a big contract. Trading for Adams would add another star onto the list of players that will be asking for big contracts from the Ravens. Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey and Matt Judon are three names who’ll be receiving new contracts soon. That’s not including Lamar Jackson and his 2018 draft classmates who’ll need new deals in the very near future. The Ravens will have to dish out money to many stars to keep their core together so trading for Adams would further tie their hands.
When you combine trade price, lack of need at safety and cap troubles, it becomes very apparent that the Ravens could be hurting themselves more than helping, especially if it doesn’t result in a super bowl win. It would be nice to have another star, but it wouldn’t be worth the trouble.
Photo credit: Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports
