Jets Receiving Calls On Davante Adams

Davante Adams‘ time with the Jets is set to come to an end. Like any number of players set to depart their current teams in the near future, the All-Pro wideout faces the prospect of being released shortly.

Of course, a trade could also be worked out to avoid such a scenario. To little surprise, interest on that front is picking up as the start of free agency approaches. The Jets are receiving calls about Adams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

As part of their effort to make the Aaron Rodgers addition pay off, the Jets traded for the six-time Pro Bowler ahead of the 2024 deadline. That move allowed the former Packers teammates to reunite, and statistical success was found. Adams racked up 854 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games with New York, allowing him to top 1,000 yards overall for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.

As a result of his contract status, though, Adams was seen upon arrival as a rental. Two years remain on his pact, but none of his scheduled salaries are guaranteed. A release would thus lead to nearly $30MM in cap savings for the Jets with only $8.36MM in dead money being accrued. The Jets’ new decision-makers (general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn) are not the ones which acquired Adams, a factor which helps explain why a parting of ways is expected.

Rapoport confirms a release will take place if no trade partner is found. Adams is currently on track to carry a cap hit of $38.25MM in 2025, so a new arrangement will need to be worked out with an acquiring team if a swap is to take place. A Packers reunion has been floated as something the 32-year-old would welcome, and he has been connected to again playing with Rodgers as a member of the latter’s next team. The Jets are prepared to make Rodgers a post-June 1 cut, meaning he will not be a free agent until March 12. Adams could know his future before that point.

Especially if the Bengals use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, the free agent market at the receiver position will not feature many attractive options. The 2025 draft class, meanwhile, is not held in high regard compared to those of recent years. That could steer teams toward a trade in the hopes of upgrading their 2025 pass-catching corps. A deal on that front has already been arranged; the 49ers and Commanders agreed to a Deebo Samuel swap yesterday.

The Rams have informed Cooper Kupp they intend to trade him, so he represents another high-profile veteran teams could target this offseason. Adams faced concerns related to declining production before the deal which sent him from the Raiders to the Jets, but a market could still exist based on a lack of younger alternatives with as strong of a track record. Knowing a release is coming otherwise, it will be interesting to see if suitors prepare an offer of note for Adams.

The Jets are expected to release Allen Lazard as they move on from the Rodgers era. Adams will likewise be on the move soon, but a strong trade market could allow New York to recoup some draft capital for 2025.

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