The Jets are setting their sights on a hopeful turnaround involving Davante Adams.
Ever since the decision to part ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the buzz around the Jets has been that Davante Adams might be the next player shown the door. Adams, who was traded to the Jets back in October, might find himself on the chopping block as part of the team’s strategy.
If they want to bid farewell without complications, cutting Adams would mean a $6.2 million dead charge against the salary cap, but it would free up just over $32 million. However, according to a report from the NFL Network on Sunday, the Jets are currently exploring trade offers for Adams.
It’s unlikely any team will take the bait, given they’d have to handle a steep $38.3 million salary-cap hit while also giving up valuable draft picks.
If no trade partners come forward, Adams’ release seems to be the expected path forward.
Should Adams find himself as a free agent, he might once again consider teaming up with Rodgers, who has shown interest in joining the Giants. This potential reunion could offer both Adams and Rodgers a chance for a bit of a rivalry twist, moving from one MetLife Stadium locker room to another. However, this prospect doesn’t sit well with Jets’ star receiver Garrett Wilson, and it might cause similar friction for the Giants’ Malik Nabers, who had an impressive rookie year.
There’s no denying Adams still has what it takes at 32. Last season, he raked in 85 catches for 1,063 yards—his sixth time surpassing 1,000 yards since 2018—scoring seven touchdowns while playing three games with the Raiders and 11 with the Jets.
The reality might be that the Jets will have to accept the cost of renting Adams for half a season, given that they traded a third-round pick (No. 73 overall) for him in the 2025 draft.
General Manager Darren Mougey expressed last Tuesday that the Jets “have a plan” for the Adams situation. This resolution is likely to unfold soon, as free agency spending will kick off on March 10.
