The New York Jets announced quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not return in 2025, meaning the team will probably trade wide receiver Davante Adams in the coming months. A former second-round pick, Adams established himself as one of the game’s elite players during the peak of his career. While he’s no longer a top-three receiver in the world, he’s still a productive player who can thrive away from Rodgers. Spending 2024 with the Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, the six-time Pro Bowler finished with 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
Despite still having some gas left in his tank, Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox believes the Jets will trade Davante Adams and thinks the Los Angeles Chargers are an ideal fit. In a recent article, the NFL analyst stated that Adams’ contract and the current state of the Jets make him a natural choice to find a new home before the 2025 season begins.
“Trading Adams would save a whopping $30 million in 2025 cap space…The Los Angeles Chargers have $65.6 million in projected cap room and could use a veteran to partner with young wideouts Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.”
Bleacher Report: Chargers Could Trade For Jets Davante Adams
Knox is correct about the Chargers needing another wide receiver. Head coach Jim Harbaugh inherited a roster coming off one of the worst ‘all-in’ attempts in recent memory, as the organization had limited cap space to address the multiple flaws on the roster. With minimal roster flexibility, the Michigan champion had no choice but to part ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams while placing all his hope in the untested youth.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey was up for the challenge and looks like one of the most promising young players in football. Quentin Johnston, meanwhile, was far too inconsistent and is probably better in a depth role. The Chargers now have the cap space to trade for someone like Davante Adams, and the wide receiver could help Los Angeles get over the hump and go deep into the playoffs. However, is he the best option for this team, and when could we see a trade?
Timing A Move
Unless the Jets agree to eat a sizable portion of his contract, it’s hard to envision a Davante Adams trade occurring before the start of free agency. Adams is still a good player, but he’s not the best wide receiver available by a wide margin. Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin are scheduled to hit the open market, and both players are younger and better at this stage in their respective careers.
Additionally, the Chargers won’t have to forfeit any draft capital to acquire these players. While their contract will likely exceed Adams’, Los Angeles has the cap space to spend big on an elite weapon. Adams probably won’t cost anything more than a Day 3 pick, but the Chargers would probably prefer Higgins and a late-round selection to Adams and an extra bit of cap space.
Of course, Los Angeles won’t be the only team interested in Higgins or Godwin. If teams like the New England Patriots or Washington Commanders outbid the Chargers for their services, perhaps the team should consider a Davante Adams trade. However, until the other receivers are officially off the table, Adams will likely be nothing more than Plan C for this team.
Main Photo: Kevin R. Wexler – Imagn Images
