New York Jets, Davante Adams expected to part ways after just 11 games in NFL

The New York Jets are reportedly exploring trade options for wide receiver Davante Adams, but a release appears to be the most likely outcome.

According to NFL Media, the three-time All-Pro receiver’s short-lived tenure in New York is coming to an end after just 11 games.

There are reports that the "overwhelming belief" is that the Jets will part ways with Adams outright rather than finding a trade partner. The 32-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract, with hefty cap hits of $38.3 million in both 2025 and 2026.

If the Jets release him before June 1, they will absorb an $8.36 million dead cap hit but save nearly $30 million, per Spotrac.

A failed reunion in New York

The Jets acquired Adams before last season’s trade deadline, sending a conditional third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in hopes of reuniting him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the move failed to turn around the team’s fortunes, as New York stumbled to a disappointing 5-12 record.

The poor season led to the firings of both general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh.

Despite the team's struggles, Adams remained productive. Across 14 games with the Raiders and Jets, he recorded 85 catches for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns, marking his fifth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards.

His 103 career touchdown receptions rank as the sixth-most through a player’s first 11 NFL seasons.

Potential landing spots for Adams

With Adams likely to hit free agency, several teams could be in the mix to land the six-time Pro Bowler.

• Green Bay Packers: The team’s leaders, including Jordan Love and safety Xavier McKinney, have publicly lobbied for Adams’ return. With young receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson facing injury concerns, the Packers could use a veteran presence.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers pursued Brandon Aiyuk last offseason but fell short. Adding Adams could give their passing game a proven weapon while helping develop young wideouts like George Pickens and Calvin Austin.

• Washington Commanders: Washington recently acquired Deebo Samuel but still has cap space to add another receiver. Pairing Adams with quarterback Jayden Daniels could give the Commanders one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.

• Denver Broncos: Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed promise in 2024, and head coach Sean Payton could look to bolster his receiving corps to accelerate Nix’s development.

• Los Angeles Chargers: With a young receiving duo of Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, the Chargers could benefit from Adams' experience as they look to make a deeper playoff push under Jim Harbaugh.

During the pre-season, even with all the rumors surrounding his future at Jets, Adams has maintained high spirits. He recently posted about his day out at Disney with his family.

As the Jets prepare to move on, Adams will have no shortage of suitors. Whether through a trade or release, his next destination could have a major impact on the 2025 NFL season.