Jets Release Davante Adams, WR Hits Free Agency

After attempting to trade him, the Jets are officially releasing WR Davante Adams.

This report comes according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The six-time Pro Bowler will become a free agent after playing just 11 games in New York. The move will free up nearly $30 million in cap space. Adams is free to sign anywhere he wants, and several teams will surely be interested in adding the 32-year-old wideout.

Adams was traded to New York midway through the 2024 season. He previously spent two-plus years with the Las Vegas Raiders. After the Raiders failed to significantly upgrade the QB room before the start of ’24, Adams began expressing his discontent with the team. The Jets quickly became the most realistic landing spot for Adams as it meant a reunion with his former QB Aaron Rodgers. On Oct. 15, the Jets sent a third-round pick to the Raiders for Adams in what was believed to be a blockbuster deal.

Adding Adams to the Jets’ offense wasn’t the game-breaking move many believed it would be. The veteran wideout didn’t record his first 100-yard game until his seventh appearance with the Jets. In that timeframe, the Jets went 1-6 and the season was derailed. Despite the offensive struggles, Adams managed to record his fifth-straight 1,000-yard season while only appearing in 14 games.

There will likely be a robust market for the three-time All-Pro coming off an 85-reception, 1,063-yard, 8-TD season. Any offense in the league would love to have a savvy pass catcher who can get open consistently. He may not be a top-5 option anymore, but Adams can still get the job done. Adams reportedly prefers to stay closer to his West Coast roots.

The Los Angeles Chargers are an obvious landing spot, as they sorely need to put more talent around Justin Herbert. The neighboring Rams could also use a WR if indeed move on from Cooper Kupp. Having already traded Deebo Samuel and with a potential Brandon Aiyuk move looming, the 49ers may dip into the receiver market. Another team to watch out for is the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has been a hotspot for veteran wideouts in the past, and Adams could potentially provide invaluable mentorship for 2024 first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr.

The pending release of Aaron Rodgers may also play a factor in Adams’ decision. The Jets will reportedly release the QB in the coming weeks, putting a former four-time MVP into the free-agent pool. Rodgers’ list of suitors will be smaller than Adams’, but the pair may prefer to stick together for their next stop. Both LA teams, San Francisco, and Arizona are already tied to their signal callers. A move to Seattle seems unlikely but isn’t completely unfeasible. Adams re-joining the Raiders alongside Rodgers doesn’t seem realistic at all following the wideouts turbulent departure.

Adams getting released this week gives him a head start before other free agents. We don’t expect him to make a quick decision as he gauges interest from teams across the league.