Could the Cowboys Reignite Pursuit for Jamal Adams in 2020?

The Cowboys have made it a habit to be players at the trade deadline each of the last couple of seasons. In 2018, the acquired Amari Cooper for their 2019 first-round pick. A week or so before the deadline this year, they sent a sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Defensive End Michael Bennett.

Despite the move for Bennett, the Cowboys weren’t done attempting to add pieces to their defense as they actively pursued a trade with Jamal Adams. It didn’t come to fruition, as the first-round pick didn’t appear to be enough for the New York Jets who reportedly asked for a first and two seconds to complete the deal. It was the hottest pursuit since the Cowboys took a run at Earl Thomas in the buildup and during the 2018 NFL Draft when they opted to make their picks instead of trading for the All-Pro Safety.

As the New York Jets season is, for all intents and purposes, over, the focus has turned to the offseason and how they’ll continue to rebuild their squad in hopes of competing in the AFC East. To that end, the safety pursuit of Jamal Adams may come to life again in 2020.

Per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY Sports, who covers the New York Jets, league sources believe Jamal Adams could be put on the trade block by the Jets this offseason.

New York Jets Safety Jamal Adams sacks New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones.

With just one season left on Adams rookie contract, the Jets may not be inclined to give Adams a payday that could exceed $15 or $16 million a year either as an extension during the 2020 offseason or when he is set to hit free agency in the 2021 offseason. New York is in the middle of a pretty sizeable rebuild and could decide Adams isn’t a part of those plans.

Adams was publicly annoyed that his name was brought up and that the Jets were taking phone calls and involved in trade discussions for the All-Pro safety. Whether they were actually intending to trade Adams is a big question as they set the price to a pretty astronomical level.

That said, they were listening to offers and if the Cowboys interest was sincere prior to the trade deadline, they and the Jets could reengage in trade talks in 2020.

In 2019, Jamal Adams is leading the New York Jets in tackles for loss with eight, quarterback hits with 12, and with 6.5 sacks on the season is second on the team by just half a sack. Though he only has one interception, two forced fumbles, and one recovery, both the interception and recovery were returned for touchdowns.

We have a long way to go till we reach the offseason, but if Jamal Adams becomes available for trade, the Dallas Cowboys have to work to make a trade for the safety. He’s a playmaker that would immediately improve the defense in 2020 and beyond. Obviously, the trade compensation would matter a lot, but if the Cowboys win the NFC East and are drafting in the 20s, trading your 2020 first-round pick for Adams wouldn’t be out of the question. If they can get him for less, even better.

So much could change between now and then, however, as the Cowboys may find themselves with a new head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive backs coach, which could alter how they perceive this defense and Jamal Adams.