After joining the Las Vegas Raiders this week, Jamal Adams is switching from safety to WILL linebacker, according to coach Pete Carroll. Adams, 29, was signed after being a free agent for a considerable part of the offseason, leading up to training camp.

Once recognized as an All-Pro safety, this shift allows Adams to reconnect with Carroll, who coached him for four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks after a notable trade in 2020. Despite struggling with injuries and seeing a decline in performance, which led to his release from the Seahawks in 2024, Carroll has expressed confidence in Adams’s potential to contribute significantly to the Raiders’ program.

Pete Carroll on reuniting with Jamal Adams, who is transitioning to WILL linebacker for the #Raiders: “His style of play is so suitable for what we’re trying to do here with being about being aggressive and tough.”

Carroll further stated, “We made a big trade to get him because of who he is and the nature of his football. The style of play, aggressiveness, toughness, and his mentality is really unique. To have him back in our organization presents a unique opportunity for him to return to his previous form. His approach to the game aligns with what we want to instill here.”

If Adams successfully transitions to linebacker, his distinctive aggressive style could provide the Silver and Black a much-needed boost in their inaugural season under Coach Carroll.

Back in 2017, Adams was the sixth-overall pick in the NFL Draft and was honored with three consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections from 2018 to 2020. Through his career, he has recorded 501 tackles, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 36 pass deflections, four interceptions, and two touchdowns.