The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent safety Jamal Adams to a one-year contract on Thursday. By doing so, they've reunited Adams with Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who was his position coach with the New York Jets from 2017 to 2019.
Few players know Wilson as well as Adams does. Adams collected 273 total tackles, 25 passes defensed, and two interceptions under his coaching guidance. He made back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2018 and 2019, and was an All-Pro selection in '19.
The Titans celebrated Adams' signing by having him swiftly make an appearance on The Official Titans Podcast (OTP) with Amie Wells and Mike Keith. Wilson's coaching philosophies were a frequent topic of discussion. It was clear that Wilson's presence played a huge role in Adams' decision to sign in Tennessee.
"Knowing that Dennard Wilson came over to the Titans as the DC, it was a no-brainer for me," Adams said. "He drafted me, and that goes a long way. He drafted me back when I was 21 years old. I'm 28 now and time flies. I'm going into my eighth season. This has always been his dream, , it was his goal. He was always trying to achieve this."
Jamal Adams on Dennard Wilson playing a major role in his decision to sign with the @Titans ⚔️#TitanUp pic.twitter.com/VFhaVw0mdp
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels98) July 11, 2024
Wilson has already installed his defense, one the Titans will begin mastering at training camp when they report on July 23. It's said to be an attacking-style defense that prioritizes turnovers, press-man coverage, and aggression. Adams is extremely familiar with what the Titans will be running.
"He's going to bring energy," Adams continued. "He's going to bring everything out that you can imagine. He tries to bring the best out of every player. He wants to influence everybody, because it's one team and one heartbeat. For him, his philosophy is being a dog, but being smart. Play under control in a controlled environment. Never get too high or too low. Stay even keeled. You have to be purposeful. That's what it's about."
Veterans like Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry can expect to be held to a high standard. Wilson runs his defense in his vision, one that was greatly influenced by his mentors Todd Bowles and Gregg Williams, two coaches he previously worked under. Adams already knows what to expect.
"He's always set the standard," Adams continued. "He set the standard at a high level. There was nothing we were going to change . It was his rules, or it wasn't going to work. He's extremely competitive. He loves football. He's going to get the best out of you."