EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have added a high-impact veteran to their defensive mix just before the start of training camp. Three-time Pro Bowl defensive back Jamal Adams has agreed to terms with the team, a move that brings both pedigree and questions to Brian Flores’ evolving defense.

Adams, 30, announced his signing Monday night on social media platform X, posting a simple “Year 10” message accompanied by the “#skol” hashtag, the Vikings’ signature rallying cry. A source confirmed the agreement to ESPN, marking the sixth stop in a career that once saw Adams regarded as one of the NFL’s most dynamic safeties.

The Vikings’ general manager, Nolan Teasley, has a personal history with Adams. Teasley was part of the Seattle Seahawks’ front office when they pulled off a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets to acquire Adams ahead of the 2020 season. That deal, which cost Seattle two first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a player, underscored the league’s belief in Adams’ game-changing ability at the time.

Minnesota has been waiting for clarity on the future of longtime safety Harrison Smith, who is contemplating retirement. But Adams has not been a traditional safety in recent years. During his 2024 campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders, he played all 448 of his defensive snaps at linebacker, a role that fits perfectly into Flores’ unconventional scheme. The Vikings’ defensive coordinator has frequently deployed three-safety looks, with Josh Metellus serving as a hybrid edge rusher, linebacker, and defensive back. Adams could step into a similar Swiss Army knife role, alleviating depth concerns if Smith decides to step away.

Yet injuries have been a persistent issue for Adams. He has not been a full-time starter since 2023, and his availability has been erratic. Ankle, quad, and shoulder problems have plagued him since his second season with the Seahawks. In 2020, he played 12 games; in 2021, just 12; in 2022, only one; and in 2023, nine. Still, when he has been on the field, Adams has shown flashes of his former dominance. He recorded 22.5 career sacks, with 16 of those coming across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, making him one of the most effective blitzing defensive backs in the league.

Last season with the Raiders, Adams appeared in 17 games, his most since playing 16 games as a sophomore with the Jets in 2018. He finished with 45 tackles, a sack, seven pressures, and a forced fumble. He recorded at least four tackles in five games, proving he could still contribute consistently despite not being a full-time starter.

Adams was originally selected by the New York Jets with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Over his three seasons with the Jets, he played 46 games, made two Pro Bowl appearances, and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019. In Seattle, he played only 34 games due to injuries but still managed a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. After his Seahawks tenure ended, he had brief stints with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions in 2024, logging five games between them.

In 102 career regular-season games (87 starts), Adams has amassed 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four interceptions, and 36 pass deflections. His ability to pressure the quarterback from various alignments gives Flores a unique weapon, especially on third downs and in obvious passing situations. The Vikings are betting that Adams’ experience and football IQ can still translate into production, even if his athleticism has slightly declined.

Teasley’s familiarity with Adams’ strengths and weaknesses likely played a role in the signing. The Vikings’ front office has consistently prioritized versatility and intelligence in their defensive acquisitions, and Adams fits that mold. With training camp set to open, the team will likely ease him into the rotation while monitoring his health and conditioning.

For Adams, this is a chance to rejuvenate his career in a system that has a history of maximizing hybrid defenders. If he can stay healthy, he could be a significant piece in a division that features dynamic offenses like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are hoping that “Year 10” marks a comeback, not a final chapter.