As expected, no suitors emerged for Davante Adams on the trade front. As a result, the Jets will move on from the All-Pro receiver. 
Adams is being released, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He will now become one of the most intriguing options at the receiver position in free agency. Presuming this move is processed immediately, it will save $29.9MM in cap space while generating $8.36MM in dead money. The release is now official.
No guaranteed salary remained on Adams’ pact, something which essentially made him a rental in the eyes of interested teams ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. The Jets sent a conditional third-round pick to the Raiders for the six-time Pro Bowler, a move which allowed him to reunite with Aaron Rodgers. The latter will be released with a post-June 1 designation, though, so to no surprise Adams will also seek out a fresh start for 2025.
Rodgers and Adams had the potential to remain in place with New York, but their time with the Jets did not yield a playoff berth. On the other hand, the latter racked up 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games upon arrival, a sign he can still be counted on to provide high-end production at this stage of his career. Adams, 32, could draw attention in a free agent class light on impact players at many positions (including receiver).
A release was seen as likely one month ago, but the door was still open to a team avoiding free agency and agreeing to a trade (and subsequent restructure or extension to lower Adams’ cap charges for 2025 and ’26). Interest was shown on that front, but to no surprise a deal never appeared to be imminent. A report from yesterday confirmed a release would take place before the start of the new league year next week.
The Jets are allowing fellow ex-Packers wideout Allen Lazard to seek out a trade, but he too is unlikely to generate a market. A release could also be expected in that case, something which would leave the team short on experienced options behind Garrett Wilson on the depth chart. Taking into account the Adams release, New York has roughly $52MM in cap space.
With a change of scenery on tap, several updates have recently emerged regarding where Adams could play next. A return to the Packers could be in store, but a deal sending him to the West Coast is also something to watch for. Rapoport notes the opportunity for the Fresno State product to head west remains a key factor in his free agency. Rodgers, for his part, is still interested in playing with Adams (provided he decides to suit up in 2025), so a partnership between those two on a third team could come into play.
In any case, it will be interesting to see how things play out for Adams given his track record (six 1,000-yard seasons in the past seven years). The Jets, meanwhile, will need to be active in the receiver market in one form or another as they move past the Rodgers investment and the additions which accompanied it.
Next up!!? Chargers broncos rams giants colts or Steelers !!!
The Giants don’t even have a QB lol.
Neither do the Steelers.
@Darren: Which means they’ve got an opening for Davante’s buddy Aaron! lol
So lol
Well that was always the most likely outcome. I’d love to see him somewhere like Baltimore.
That’s a Patriots type of signing. They’re building something have money to overpay and he’d be an upgrade in that lackluster WR room.
Maybe 10 years ago when they were contending for super bowls.
I feel like Adams will have multiple suitors especially given how weak FA and the draft is for WR. So, I don’t see him signing with a rebuilding team with an unproven QB. Money is probably secondary to him at this point in his career, so a team like NE would have a hard time getting him even if they overpaid.
lol you’re kidding? This is a War heavy draft the deepest in years. 6th rounders sleepers aplenty!!!
Where ever Rodgers winds up Adams wont be too far behind.
Baltimore, KC or maybe the Chargers make the most sense to me.
He’s stated that it’s west coast or bust., so Chargers or Rams make the most sense, depending on his dollar demands.
ChuckyNJ, how ’bout them Jets! Flushed a third rounder down the crapper to bolster a playoff push, only to collapse and finish 5-12 and release Adams and Rodgers. What a well-run organization.
But what about the Taco Bell in his house?
Probably heading back to Green Bay or the Chargers is my guess. I don’t see Arizona or the Rams as a possibility.
Best free agent wide receiver to come on the market in a while. With Aaron Rodgers in tow, Davante Adams is worth less (a team must pay and play Rodgers) but stand alone if he’s willing to stop the grandstanding and just play, Adams is an incredible receiver, catching as many as 77% of the balls thrown his way (2021). If he’s unhappy with his QB or situation Adams’s catch ratio drops as low as 55% (Las Vegas years).
A team would have to be certain Adams wants to be there and comes to play before making the investment.