The Tennessee Titans made headlines on Thursday morning by announcing they’ve signed free-agent safety Jamal Adams to a one-year contract. It didn’t take Titans players long to share their opinions via social media. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons quickly chimed in with a “Let him cook” post on “X” in reference to general manager Ran Carthon and the role he played in acquiring Adams.

Adams is expected to immediately step into a starting role in a secondary that allowed 20 touchdowns and an 18th-ranked 3,866 passing yards through the air last season. The Titans also ranked 31st in turnovers. Carthon has been hard at work revamping the back-end of the defense, one that now includes Adams, and cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie.

Simmons will appreciate the additional help. Simmons was his regular game-wrecking self last season, totaling 5.5 sacks in just 12 regular-season appearances. He often saw his pressure-rate go to waste with opposing quarterbacks picking apart an overmatched Titans secondary that finished 18th in third-down conversions allowed. Adams should add some much-needed muscle and production.

Adams himself chimed in, saying he’ll bring “leadership, swagger, and energy” to the Titans defense in a surprise social media post by Mike Keith.

New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson intends to field an aggressive, attacking-style defense. Adams, who often plays towards the line of scrimmage, can occasionally serve as an extension of the defensive line. Look for players like Simmons, Harold Landry, Arden Key, and T’Vondre Sweat to benefit from Adams’ presence inside the box.

There’s also familiarity between Adams and Wilson present in bunches. Wilson was his defensive backs coach with the New York Jets for three seasons (2017-2019). Adams established himself as one of the best safeties in the league under his coaching guidance, collecting 273 total tackles and consecutive Pro Bowl appearances throughout that time frame, with an All-Pro accolade in 2019 to boot.

Adams has since suffered from significant injuries since his trade from the Jets to Seattle Seahawks. Injury-related setbacks prematurely ended his latest three seasons. The 29-year-old Adams, the No. 6 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, has played 34 games compared to 33 missed contests over the previous four campaigns.

Adams could also assist a Titans defense up the middle that lacks proven talents at off-ball linebacker. The likes of Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens are expected to serve as the starters at inside linebacker. Wilson could view Adams as versatile enough to spell them on obvious passing downs, though defending the pass has never been his specialty.

Regardless of the vision, which will be defined once the Titans actually take the field, Simmons is excited to call Adams a teammate.