Raiders' Jamal Adams to Switch Positions

The Las Vegas Raiders are taking a bold gamble with their recent signing of three-time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams, but perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this move isn't just the reunion with head coach Pete Carroll —it's the dramatic position change that comes with it. During his Friday press conference, Carroll revealed that Adams is going to be playing inside linebacker for Las Vegas. "I told him right off the bat that I wanted him to play inside," Carroll said. "He's always been so instinctive and so aggressive and such a run-through guy. Been a fantastic blitzer over his career, so I want to put him in a position to do that." This shift represents a fascinating evolution for a player whose career has been defined by versatility and aggression, even as injuries have limited his availability in recent seasons.

The move makes strategic sense for both player and team. Adams, who has struggled with coverage responsibilities and battled numerous injuries over the past few seasons, brings a unique skill set that could translate well to linebacker. Over his eight years in the league, Adams has played in 85 career games (83 starts), totaling 500 tackles (366 solo), 21.5 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, 42 quarterback hits, four interceptions (one returned for a TD), 36 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. His pass-rushing ability and run-stopping instincts—qualities that made him a standout early in his career—could find new life in a role that emphasizes his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses in coverage. For the Raiders, this represents a low-risk, high-reward experiment that could unlock Adams' potential and provide depth at a position where impact players are always needed.