The New York Jets have a big decision to make regarding the future of star wide receiver Davante Adams.
That decision may hinge largely on what the team does with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who pushed hard for New York to acquire Adams on Oct. 15 in a midseason trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, who received the Jets’ third-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Adams posted solid numbers in the 11 games after the trade, logging 67 catches, 854 yards and seven touchdowns while forming a strong 1-2 WR punch with fellow 1,000-yard wideout Garrett Wilson.
The problem is Adams carries a large cap hit and the Jets have just over $20 million in cap space, making it likely they will shed some big salaries to have more roster flexibility heading into the offseason.
If New York does part ways with Adams, there are three teams the six-time Pro Bowler wants to play for according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“The Jets must address the future of receiver Davante Adams, whose $38.3 million cap hit is untenable,” Fowler wrote. “A source told me Adams is intrigued by a return to the West Coast and would be open to potentially joining teams such as the Rams or Chargers — if he gets released. I would put the 49ers in the conversation, too. Adams grew up in Northern California.”
The Jets could free up a bunch of cap space by getting rid of Adams. If the team cuts him pre-June 1, it’ll save $29.8 million against the cap with an $8.36 million dead-cap hit. If it cuts him post-June 1, it’ll save $36.1 million with a minimal $2.09 million dead-cap hit.
The 49ers were linked to Adams during the offseason while they were shopping star wideout Brandon Aiyuk. Trade proposals were floated of an Aiyuk-for-Adams swap plus draft picks, but nothing ever materialized.
Conversely, the Rams could be looking to add more offensive firepower after making it known that receiver Cooper Kupp is on the trade block.
The Chargers could also be searching for another talented receiver to add opposite of star rookie Ladd McConkey, who logged 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns.
