Tony Adams

PRO: The Titans signed Tony Adams during the 2026 free agency period to add experience and physicality to the secondary. The 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pound safety saw action in 53 games with 36 starts in his first four NFL seasons while playing for the New York Jets. The Illinois product is a sure tackler in space and an elite communicator in the defensive backfield. Prior to his arrival with the Titans, Adams posted 227 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, 16 passes defensed, four interceptions, 12 quarterback pressures, and five tackles on special teams.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• After making the Jets roster as an undrafted rookie in 2022, Adams became a regular starter in his second year, logging 15 starts at safety in 2023. He was one of six safeties with at least 80 tackles, three interceptions and five quarterback pressures during that season.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Adams credits his mother for helping him develop a strong work ethic and mindset. "For my mother, ambition, hard work, and if you really want something – you have to go and get it," said Adams. "I see my mother work really hard. I'd seen her work late nights, sometimes overnight, and she'd always tell me if you want something in this world – you have to go get it."
• Adams' favorite game from his college career was a win over Wisconsin on Illinois' homecoming in 2019. Adams' interception late in the fourth quarter set up the Fighting Illini's final drive to take the lead. A game-winning field goal on the ensuing possession as time expired gave Illnois the 24-23 victory over the sixth-ranked Badgers, the school's first win over a ranked opponent since 2011.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Centreville, Ill., native was signed by the N.Y. Jets as a rookie free agent on May 6, 2022.
• Signed by the Titans as an unrestricted free agent on March 17, 2026.

COLLEGE:
• Played in 41 games with 36 starts in five seasons at Illinois (2017-21) and collected 204 tackles, 11 stops for loss, three sacks, 11 passes defensed and six interceptions. Began his career as a cornerback before logging starts at safety and as a hybrid defensive back as an upperclassmen.
• As a graduate (2021), started 11 of the 12 games he appeared in and ranked third on the team with 63 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, five passes defensed and an interception.
• As a senior (2020), started all six games he played and totaled 51 tackles and a pass defensed.
• As a junior (2019), started 10 games and logged 39 tackles, three stops for loss and two interceptions. Against No. 6 Wisconsin, nabbed an interception with 2:32 left to set up the game-winning field goal as time expired. It was Illinois' first win over a ranked opponent since 2011.
• As a sophomore (2018), recorded seven starts (five at safety, two at cornerback) in eight games played. Finished with 43 tackles, 3.5 stops for loss, a sack, four pass breakups and an interception. Also notched a pick-six at Purdue for his first career touchdown. Named Academic All-Big Ten.
• As a freshman (2017), played in five games with two starts at cornerback and recorded eight tackles, a stop for loss, a sack and an interception.
• Graduated from Illinois with a bachelor's degree in political science in Dec. 2020.

PERSONAL:
• Attended St. Louis University (Mo.) High School and was a three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN and Scout.
• Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Gary Kornfeld and was ranked the No. 6 overall recruit in the state of Missouri.
• Follow Adams on X at @Iwill_suceed20.
• Born Tony Adams Jr. on Jan. 24, 1999 in Belleville, Ill.