NFL Trade Rumors: New York Jets Could Cut Wide Receiver Davante Adams

The New York Jets are bracing for a hard reset, and that could mean parting ways with another one of their recent splashes. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets could "move on" from wide receiver Davante Adams this offseason.

With the #Jets and QB Aaron Rodgers headed for a split, sources say, don’t be surprised if they move on from Davante Adams (with his huge cap number), too. They could reunite elsewhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 9, 2025

The Jets acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders midseason in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He contributed an impressive 854 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over his 11 appearances, but he couldn't salvage the Jets' flailing season. The Jets finished with a 5-12 record and are still in the process of cleaning house.

Adams is still an effective player, but he has a few things working against him when it comes to his future with the Jets. For one, the coaches and front office figures responsible for bringing him in during the season have been dismissed, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to be released shortly. Rodgers was a huge reason the Jets acquired Adams in the first place; they were teammates from 2014 to 2022 on the Green Bay Packers.

More importantly, Adams recently turned 32 years old and carries an untenable $38.25 million cap number for the 2025 season. The Jets could save nearly $30 million in cap space by cutting him this offseason and slightly over $36 million if they designate him a post-June 1 cut.

The Jets could hypothetically lower Adams' cap number via an extension, but that move wouldn't make much sense for either side. The Jets shouldn't have much interest in preserving what was a disappointing offense last year (19.9 points per game, 24th in the league), and Adams should make the most of what little time he has left in the league by playing for a team that has a chance to win a title.

If Adams is released, he should still draw significant interest around the league. He could be a credible WR2 and a savvy veteran pickup for a contender in need of pass catchers like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, or the Buffalo Bills. At the very least, he could probably expect to land a deal that exceeds the two-year, $41 million contract veteran wide receiver Mike Evans signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason.