Eagles sign first free agent, safety Andrew Adams

Posted on March 19, 2021

A new beginning has arrived.

The new league year began on Wednesday, March 17, and Philadelphia fans have waited all week for the Eagles to make a move. Though teams across the NFL were able to start filling their roster during the legal tampering period (Monday at noon to Wednesday at 4 PM), Philadelphia seemed to be in no rush.

The Eagles waited until March 18, signing their first free agent, safety Andrew Adams.

FAMILIARITY WITH THE NFC EAST

Coming off a collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, Adams joined the NFL in 2016, signing a three-year deal with the New York Giants. He earned his first professional start mid-way through the season after safety Darian Thompson suffered a foot injury, and backup Nate Berhe was inactive from a previous concussion.

A month later, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Adams finished with a season-high of nine combined tackles and made his first career interception from a pass by former Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz.

He completed the season with 46 combined tackles in 13 starts. Pro Football Focus gave Adams an overall grade of 79.4 — the second-best grade among rookie safeties.

Darian Thompson returned following the 2017 season, forcing him and Adams to compete for the starting role. Adams was waived from the Giants and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A year later he signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions and was released before the regular season. He returned to the Buccaneers, recording 45 total tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble in 14 games.

Adams would return for another year, playing on special teams. He ultimately won Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers, logging 23 defensive snaps.

ADAMS SIGNS AS EAGLES’ FIRST FREE AGENT

As of yesterday, March 18, the Philadelphia Eagles came to terms with Andrew Adams. His contract, worth up to $1.1 million, comes at a small-cap hit for the team that has spent the last few months reducing their debt.

A veteran safety at a rookie price tag was exactly what Philadelphia needed as free agency caused the team to lose two players. Jalen Mills signed a four-year deal with the New England Patriots, and Rudy Ford will play for the Jacksonville Jaguars on a two-year contract.

Adams will bring experience and depth to the position with minimal risk. The 28-year-old will join K’Von Wallace, Marcus Epps, and Grayland Arnold for a competition to see who remains. If he makes the 2021 roster, he will likely be Ford’s replacement, contributing to special teams. He will also earn a $72.5K roster bonus.

The Philadelphia Eagles also agreed to terms with defensive tackle Hasson Ridgeway yesterday. Ridgeway has been with the team since 2019.

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Alicia Andaloro

Alicia was born and raised in Philadelphia, becoming an avid Eagles fan as a child. She graduated from Penn State University and now works in the medical field. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and baking.

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