Mike

Adams

For his first seven NFL seasons, Adams was viewed as more of a rotational defensive piece than a no-brainer starter, but he played his best football in the second half of his career. His two Pro Bowl seasons came as a 33- and 34-year-old with the Colts, although he had decent seasons with the Browns, Broncos, and Panthers as well. Adams finished with 935 career tackles and 30 career interceptions across a whopping 228 regular season games.

The Texans must have liked what they saw from Adams during his tryout on Friday. The 38-year-old looked to be on his last leg with Carolina in 2018, garnering PFF’s sixth-worst grade among qualified safeties. A two-time Pro Bowler, Adams is tied with new teammate Johnathan Joseph for fourth among active players with 30 career interceptions.

Cut by the Panthers in February, Adams has made no known visits. “My thing is I want to go out on my terms,” Adams said in a radio interview. “That’s my main thing, go out on my terms. I think I’ve earned that.” Adams remained a 16-game starter in 2018, though he earned sub-par marks from Pro Football Focus.

Adams broke the news himself on Instagram, writing the Panthers “are going in another direction.” Set to turn 38 in March, Adams added he has “a lot more ball left” and plans to play in 2019. Coming off a rough season, it is not a given Adams finds a new home.

Keith Lewis stepped in on the Niners’ first-team defense.

He had been held out of practice last week with a sore neck.

Adams started all 16 games at free safety last season, excelling in coverage for the Browns. He confirmed he’s ticketed for the same position in Denver, which bodes poorly for 2011 second-rounder Rahim Moore, whose natural position is free. Quinton Carter may have the edge for the strong safety job.

The Browns like Patterson as a nickel corner, but they’re apparently leery of overpaying. Safety Mike Adams is still in talks with the Browns, but appears likely to join Patterson in reaching free agency.

Interest is a lot different than “serious interest” or a contract offer. The Browns want to keep Adams, a 16-game starter last year. Usama Young would be the in-house candidate to replace Adams if the free safety leaves.

Adams tweeted that he’s heading to the airport for a flight to Denver. Searching for a strong safety to replace Brian Dawkins, the Broncos hosted Brandon Meriweather Tuesday night.