One day after the first trade of the NFL offseason, the league could see another star wide receiver on the move. Hours after the Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, the wide receiver market could change further. Once the New York Jets decided the Aaron Rodgers experiment was done, general manager Darren Mougey is about to make another move. Three-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver is available for a trade. Per NFL insider Ian Rappoport, the team will look to move on from Davante Adams in a trade or release him if a deal isn’t reached.
Sources: The #Jets are now taking calls on star WR Davante Adams, open to trading him prior to the start of the league year. No surprise with his $38.2M cap number.
If they can’t get a deal, they are expected to release Adams, who could rejoin QB Aaron Rodgers with a new team. pic.twitter.com/EjvMh2zF1J
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2025
Report: Jets to Open Trade Offers for Davante Adams
Regarded as one of the best at his position for nearly a decade, Davante Adams has had a great career. Drafted out of Fresno State in 2014, Adams joined the Green Bay Packers as the 53rd overall pick. The second round wide receiver became a reliable target and close friend to Aaron Rodgers. Making his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2017, Adams finished the year with 885 yards and ten touchdowns on 74 receptions.
Throughout his eight seasons in Green Bay, Adams amassed 8121 receiving yards on 669 catches and a staggering 73 touchdowns. Adams’ production in his final two seasons was directly responsible for Aaron Rodgers’ back-to-back MVPs. Between his final two seasons, he was responsible for 2927 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Which earned him his first two All-Pro honors. However, after failing to reach the Super Bowl and denied a fair price on his new extension, the relationship between Adams and Green Bay eroded. As a result, the Packers agreed to a sign and trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to send Adams to the AFC West.
Raider Reunion with Derek Carr
The Raiders traded for Adams from the Packers in exchange for their 2022 first and second round draft picks. Along with it, a new five year/$141.25 million contract. Adams was excited to reunite with Derek Carr, the Raiders starting quarterback and Adams’ teammate at Fresno State. Adams finished the season with his second 1,500 yard receiving season, leading the NFL in touchdown catches for the second time in his career. With this production, Adams earned his second First Team All-Pro distinction. However, despite Adams’ production, the Raiders missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record.
Failing to rekindle that college connection, the Raiders released Carr after nine years with the team. In 2023, the Raiders once again missed the playoffs. Improving to 8-9, the Raiders couldn’t stay consistent, leading to the dismissal of head coach Josh McDaniels midseason. The downgrade from Carr to Jimmy Garroppolo affected Davante Adams too. With only eight touchdowns, it was the first season Adams failed to get double digit touchdowns since 2019. Things only got worse for Davante in 2024. A calf injury in week 3 forced Adams to miss his first games since 2021. Knowing the Raiders would fail to make the playoffs again, Davante was looking for a way out.
Flying high in New York?
One day after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football on October 14th, the Jets traded for Adams in exchange for a conditional 2025 second round pick. Desperate for a spark, general manager Joe Douglas hoped Adams could help improve Aaron Rodgers’ meandering production. Through 11 games in New York, Adams finished his Jets tenure with 854 yards on 67 catches and 7 touchdowns. Alas, the Jets finished with a 5-12 record and missed the playoffs. Per the trade conditions, the Jets kept their second round pick, sending their third round pick to Las Vegas instead.
Possible destinations
Although 32 years old now, Davante Adams is still a talented wide receiver. It’s presumed that Adams will head to wherever Aaron Rodgers decides to play next. However, even without playing with Rodgers, the three-time all-pro receiver should have an active trade market. It was reported that Adams would also be interested in a west coast team. After moving on from Deebo Samuel, perhaps Kyle Shanahan could use Adams to help Brock Purdy on the 49ers. The Los Angeles Chargers will need a wide receiver to pair next to Ladd McConkey to help Justin Herbert. Perhaps even a reunion in Green Bay with Matt LaFleur to elevate Jordan Love.
From our Combine coverage: The #Jets are moving on from big-name WR Davante Adams, as they are taking calls on him, sources say. If no trade, they are expected to release him. pic.twitter.com/WYYMAkOK9r
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2025
The opportunity is right for the Jets and Adams to part ways. A Davante Adams trade will be beneficial in the long run. While productive, Adams should get the chance to join a contender. Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey gain more draft capital to start the rebuild. Ideally, New York should hold out for a third round pick or more, especially with their 2026th third round pick belonging to the Philadelphia Eagles. If New York can’t find a trade partner, they will still move on by releasing him. With the previous regime out the door, New York begins with a fresh start from 2024.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
