Jamal Adams leaves stress behind with new start in Seattle

day before he became newest member of Seattle Seahawks, it was apparent to those around Jamal Adams that All-Pro safety was stressed.

He had just spent week criticizing ownership of New York Jets and taking shots at Jets general manr Joe Douglas and coach Adam Gase. Adams knew he was on verge of being required to report for training camp but didn’t want his destination to be New York.

“I’ll never forget day before I got traded,” Adams said via video conference. “I was really stressed, I went out with my family, and some of my loved ones and my brors and y could see it on my face how stressed I was because I didn’t kw where I was going to go.”

stress was gone for Adams on Thursday when he spoke extensively for first time since his trade from Jets to Seahawks over weekend. It was a stunning deal on multiple levels -- amount of compensation Seahawks sent to Jets; lack of a contract extension for Adams; and what addition of Adams could mean for Seattle’s defense.

contract situation and way Seahawks will use 24-year-old standout will eventually get sorted out. What is already clear is relief Adams felt landing with one of teams at top of his wish list.

“That’s what it’s about, just being around a lot of potential Hall of Famers, and a lot of great football players, but t only that, just great guys,” Adams said. “I mean, a great locker room, that brorhood that y talk about over here. That’s what it’s about. So I knew Seattle was definitely perfect spot for me. I just couldn’t come out and say it.”

Adams was drafted sixth overall by Jets in 2017. He quickly established himself as a fan favorite and one of best players at his position, being selected for last two Pro Bowls and making All-Pro squad last year.

But Adams’ relationship with franchise began to take a turn in October when it became clear Jets had listened to trade offers. Adams also wanted a contract extension, although Jets weren’t interested with Adams still having two years left on his rookie deal.

Adams asked for a trade in June n used social media to criticize team and capped things with a Daily News interview in which he said he didn’t feel Gase was “ right leader for this organization to reach Promised Land” and also said Douglas wasn’t being straight with him or his nts.

Adams received his wish when Seattle proved willing to part with two future first-round picks and safety Bradley McDougald in trade. And Adams chose to try mending his relationships when asked about his recent comments.

“I’m at peace with it. We have to move on and it’s part of business,” Adams said. “A lot of those guys and coaches reached out and y said y’re gonna miss me, and y love me and it’s same back. I’m pulling for those guys over re. I really am. I have hate in my heart toward anybody, to Joe to Adam Gase, it doesn’t matter. I really wish m well.”

For w, Adams is trying to get accustomed to new surroundings and teammates. He already has a strong relationship with Seattle free safety Quandre Diggs, who hosted Adams on his college recruiting visit to Texas. Adams also has gotten to kw Bobby Wagner from ir time at Pro Bowl and sponsor events.

addition of Adams should make spine of Seattle’s defense from front to back with Diggs, Wagner and defensive tackles Jarran Reed and Poona Ford a strength to build around. Adams joked that playing toger with Wagner is a “cheat code.”

“We talked about it a while back saying, 'Why don’t we play toger?’” Adams said. “Honestly, how I would describe us linking up and me finally being a part of Seattle is a cheat code.”