When Jamal Adams signed with the Minnesota Vikings, any speculation about a reunion with the New York Jetsofficially came to an end.
That may work out just fine for both sides.
Six years removed from Adams' departure, enough time had passed for emotions to cool. Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey had no connection to the contract dispute that ended the former All-Pro safety's first stint in New York, making the idea of bringing him back at least worth discussing.
Adamsexpressed interest in a reunion. Ultimately, he and the Jets chose another path. That path may have been the right one thanks in part to New York spending the offseason building depth across its defense without relying on nostalgia.
The Jets already addressed their biggest needs
Veterans such as Demario Davis
added leadership at linebacker, while the front office continued investing in younger talent expected to contribute for years rather than months. Rather than searching for one more recognizable name, the Jets focused on strengthening the roster as a whole.
That's a healthier approach.
Adams has reinvented himself as a hybrid defender capable of playing near the line of scrimmage, but at 30 years old, he no longer projects as the dynamic player who once energized the Jets' defense. Minnesota can afford to see what he has left. New York doesn't have to.
The Jets have repeatedly preached competition and player development throughout the offseason. Re-signing Adams could have complicated both by taking valuable opportunities away from younger defenders the organization has spent months evaluating. Sometimes the best move is the one a team doesn't make.
The first chapter between Adams and the Jets ended on disappointing terms. Time helped both sides move forward, and there was nothing wrong with briefly considering another reunion. But with Adams now in Minnesota, New York can continue building around the players it already believes in.
In the long run, that's likely the better outcome. strengthen the defense in a limited role at a reasonable price, the Jets would be wise to at least explore the possibility.
Sometimes the best organizations recognize when enough time has passed to leave the past behind. A second chapter isn't guaranteed to succeed, but after six years, it's no longer unreasonable to wonder whether both sides could benefit from one.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets may be better off after missing out on Jamal Adams reunion
