The Tennessee Titans will be starting Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. at safety this season. New head coach Robert Saleh inherited both players. One defender Saleh got to hand-pick at the position was Tony Adams, a safety they signed in free agency.
Adams appears to possess a pretty clear pathway to the third safety role. Every other safety on the roster, presumably competing for the fourth and final spot, is a core special teamer first and foremost. Adams should play the chief depth role behind Hooker and Winston.
Adams signed a one-year contract with the Titans worth $2.1 million. Following minicamp and OTAs, it appears the Titans are legitimately excited about having Adams in their defense. Signing the former Illinois standout didn't make news waves, but he's projecting as a potential impact defender.
Titans S Tony Adams goes from forgotten newcomer to potential impact defender
Adams originally joined the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent after the 2022 NFL Draft. That was Saleh's second season as the Jets' head coach. Adams made the initial 53-man roster, appearing in 11 games.
Adams took a massive step forward as a sophomore, playing nearly 80 percent of the team's total defensive snaps. He registered 83 tackles and a career-high three interceptions. Saleh was fired midway through the Jets' 2024 season, but it was another strong campaign for Adams, who notched 84 tackles.
Injury limited Adams to 12 appearances this past season, his first without Saleh coaching him. When he reached free agency, it wasn't surprising to see him reunite with his former head coach in Tennessee. The Titans made a strong effort to recruit players in bunches who previously played for Saleh.
Both Coach Saleh and Titans defensive back coaches Marquand Manuel and Dalton Hilliard have praised Adams unprompted at times throughout offseason workouts. Knowing Saleh's defensive playbook inside-out, he's been crucial to helping his teammates learn the scheme. He's been vocal and impactful.
Adams may be prepping to play a larger role than any Titans fans anticipated.
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