Should Raiders consider Jamal Adams if he’s on the market?

A couples times every year, a high-profile player becomes available because of a contract dispute. That may now be developing in New York with the Jets and star safety Jamal Adams.

There’s a report out there that the Jets are willing to trade Adams for first and third-round draft picks. However, there is another report saying the Jets have no intentions of dealing the safety.

This isn’t the first time trade winds have blown around Adams, as there was talk last year that the Jets were willing to deal him. The reality is that if a contract agreement can’t be made, the Jets will likely be willing to trade him at some point.

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That brings us to the Raiders.

Should Las Vegas consider making a play for Adams if he, indeed, does become available?

Simply put, I think Jon Gruden will consider it. He considers every big possibility. He landed Antonio Brown when things in Pittsburgh fizzled and he reportedly made a play for Jacksonville pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue just before the April draft.

The Raiders have the means to make this deal and they are at the point of their roster development that a star would make a huge difference, especially on defense.

The Raiders will have the cap room next year to arrange for a new deal for Adams to start in 2021. I realize draft picks are precious, but the Raiders have built a nice foundation of youth the past couple of drafts, assuming the 2020 class hits. Adding an All-Pro caliber player to the mix would be tempting.

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Adams won’t turn 25 until October, so trading for him would mean getting his prime years. Pairing him and 2019 first-round pick Johnathan Abram would be a powerful back end to the defense. Don’t worry that they are similar players. Safeties are interchangeable these days as far as playing strong and free safety. It would work and the Raiders would have two viscous hitters at the position.

Even if the Jets hang onto Adams for this season, it might be something for the Raiders to consider in the future if Adams’ contract situation is still unsettled.