The Seahawks wanted to add Jamal Adams in part as a counter to George Kittle. Seattle general manager John Schneider admitted as much.
Adams is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and undoubtedly will improve the Seahawks' defense as they try to catch the 49ers in the NFC West. Always up for a challenge, Kittle is giddy to face off against the newest member of the rivalry.
"Of course," Kittle told Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast when asked if he had watched film on Adams. "When he was on the Jets, we were going to play them this year so I have definitely watched Jamal Adams. He's a hell of a player so I'm just excited. Like the NFC West, that's some competition out there. From the Cardinals to the Rams and Seahawks and us, like it's going to be a really fun conference to play in. Jamal Adams is going to make it a lot more fun for us."
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Seahawks traded a 2021 first-round pick, a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick and safety Bradley McDougald to acquire Adams. By the transitive property, Kittle, who currently is trying to negotiate a lucrative contract extension with the 49ers, is worth at least what the Seahawks gave up in order to get the player they hope can stop him, right?
"If my math adds up, I guess," Kittle said when asked if he's at least worth two first-round picks and a third.
With last year's NFC West title coming down to the final seconds and less than a yard in Week 17, the Seahawks hope that acquiring Adams can help them nullify the 49ers' biggest advantage over them in Kittle, who is one of the toughest players to guard in the NFL. If there ever was a player who was designed to slow down Kittle, it's Adams, a versatile, physical safety who should be able to match up well with the best tight end in football.
[RELATED: Taylor shades 49ers' front office over Kittle's contract]
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers and Kittle reportedly aren't close on any part of a long-term contract extension. As the negotiations continue, perhaps the hefty price the Seahawks paid to acquire a player to stop Kittle can be used to push the 49ers closer to Kittle's side of the table.
If the Seahawks will surrender that much in order to slow down Kittle, how much are the 49ers willing to pay to make sure he continues to torment the NFC West?
That's the (insert Kittle's desired number here) question.
[49ERS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]