After being released by the Carolina Panthers, Safety Mike Adams is looking for a new team to call home this season. Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be a good fit?
15 year veteran safety and journeyman Mike Adams was released by the Carolina Panthers Monday morning along with veteran corner Captain Munnerlyn. This move shouldn’t surprise most as the Panthers have been cutting ties from longtime vets and opting for a youth movement of sorts. Adams took to Instagram to thank the organization and fans while also letting us know he intends to play next season at the age of 38.
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Adams spent the last two season with the Panthers and although he wasn’t the pro bowl caliber safety they hoped he was he managed to stay healthy and was always on the field. In his two seasons in Carolina Adams totaled 144 tackles, 16 defended passes, forced 2 fumbles and snagged 5 interceptions while starting all 32 games.
The youthful secondary in Tampa Bay is a major flaw that will need serious amounts of attention this offseason and adding a veteran presence like Adams seems like a no brainer. Although Adams play took a turn for the worse as the 2018 season progressed his knowledge of the game and ability to lead a young secondary on and off the field is worth a one year deal alone. Returning starter and second year Safety Jordan Whitehead has only started 11 games so adding a proven veteran to play in the same room with him and Jordan Evans is critical.
Don’t expect Adams to suddenly find the fountain of youth and return to his pro bowl caliber form of the past if he were to sign with the Bucs. This signing would be more for what he brings to your locker room and community as a 15 year veteran who’s a proven leader. The scheme fit would also be a change from the 4-3 he played in Carolina to the 3-4 that Todd Bowles will run in the Bay but that shouldn’t be an issue for Adams. Adams won’t wow us with his play but he will be a veteran that coach Bowles can rely on for rotational snaps while also doubling as an assistant coach.