Undrafted Adams Aiming to Answer Jets' Free Safety Question

Second-year pro shows potential during Practice No. 2

The New York Jets created a question at starting free safety by letting Lamarcus Joyner walk in free agency, but they may have had the answer on their roster all along.

First, Gang Green traded for Baltimore Ravens' veteran Chuck Clark in March. The seasoned Clark appeared alongside starting strong safety Jordan Whitehead during OTAs before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in early June.

The Jets responded by signing eight-year starter Adrian Amos, who was still available on the free-agent market three months into the new league year, with the idea that the former Green Bay Packer could compete to fill the void.

Obviously, neither Clark nor Amos started the Jets' 2022 regular season finale. That was Tony Adams.

Set for his second season in Green & White, Adams appears as a serious contender to earn the snaps that belonged to Joyner in 2022.

By multiple accounts, Adams was moving well during Friday's training camp practice in Florham Park.

"He's doing a good job. He's in a good competition at that safety spot. He wants that starting job just like the other three do," said Saleh following the non-padded practice. "He's showing up good, but, again, he's running around in pajamas."

The 24-year-old Adams made a notable play in pass coverage against the Aaron Rodgers-led offense. The cameras caught the free safety breaking up a deep ball intended for speedy receiver Mecole Hardman. Earlier in practice, Adams was in on the coverage during a long incompletion targeting Allen Lazard.

Jets' safety Tony Adams defends Bills' WR Isaiah McKenzie in 2022 / © Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

After making the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie last year, Adams proceeded to appear in 11 games while starting out as a special teamer. The Illinois product was active for the last six weeks of the 2022 regular season, totaling 116 snaps on defense over that span.

Adams made his first NFL start in place of Joyner during the Week 18 visit to Miami, recording six stops against the Dolphins. Although he wasn't a starter, Adams was on field for 60 defensive plays one week earlier in Seattle.

The 5-foot-11 defensive back was a five-year contributor in college, successfully transitioning from cornerback to safety during his tenure with the Illini.

Jets' FS Candidates

Adrian Amos, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, Jarrick Bernard-Converse (Rookie), Trey Dean (Rookie), Marquis Waters (Rookie)

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