Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) walks the sideline before the start of a game between the Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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Davante Adams and the Jets Are Probably Done—What’s Next for Him in 2025?

Davante Adams' Jets tenure is over—where does he go next?

The New York Jets are officially moving on from Davante Adams before the 2025 NFL season. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team is shopping him for a trade, but a release is the most likely outcome. If the Jets don’t find a trade partner by March 12, Adams will be cut, making him one of the top free agents on the market.

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

His time in New York? A disaster. The reunion with Aaron Rodgers didn’t work, the offense was a mess, and the Jets collapsed to a 5-12 record. Adams still put up 1,063 receiving yards and eight touchdowns between his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jets last season, but the production felt empty. Now, at 32 years old, Adams has two years left on his contract, a $38.2 million cap hit, and zero guaranteed money. Any team that wants him will probably just wait for the Jets to cut him rather than trade for that contract.

So, where does Adams go from here?

New York Jets have no leverage—teams know they’ll cut Davante Adams

The Jets want to trade Adams before they release him, but they’re not fooling anyone. Every team knows New York is trying to clear cap space, and no one is taking on that $38.2 million hit when they can just wait for him to hit free agency. If they cut him before June 1, they’ll absorb an $8.36 million dead cap hit but free up $30 million in space. That’s a no-brainer for a team that just dumped Aaron Rodgers and is in full reset mode.

It also doesn’t help that Adams’ New York stint wasn’t exactly elite. He had 67 receptions for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games with the Jets, but it took him 114 targets to get there. The offense was a disaster, and while Adams is still a great route-runner, his connection with Rodgers never looked right. It was supposed to be a Green Bay Packers reunion that revived both their careers. Instead, it ended with Rodgers getting cut and Adams right behind him.

The #Giants have a strong offer to Aaron Rodgers and there's mutual interest but he's told the team that they need to bring in Davante Adams. #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/a3FvuKYxsn
— Slick Rick (@SlickRickScoops) March 2, 2025

This also kills any talk about the Jets trading Garrett Wilson. Wilson struggled after Adams arrived, finishing with fewer than 70 yards in eight games and getting lost in the offense. Now, with Adams gone, Wilson is the clear WR1, and New York will build the passing game around him and Breece Hall.

Davante Adams will have options, but which team actually makes sense?

Once Adams gets cut, plenty of teams will want him. But which ones make sense financially and fit-wise?

Green Bay Packers – The Packers would love to bring Adams back. Jordan Love is emerging, and Adams would be the perfect veteran presence alongside Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Plus, safety Xavier McKinney has already said he wants Adams in Green Bay.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Pittsburgh needs a WR1. They tried to trade for Brandon Aiyuk last year and failed. George Pickens is still developing, and adding Adams would instantly make the offense better.
Washington Commanders – The Commanders have cap space, just got Deebo Samuel, and could give Jayden Daniels two top-tier weapons to work with. They’re building something interesting, and Adams would fit.
Denver Broncos – If Bo Nix is the guy, giving him a WR1 makes sense. Sean Payton loves veteran receivers, and Adams could be the missing piece in their offense.
Los Angeles Chargers – Jim Harbaugh is trying to build a contender. The Chargers have Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, but Adams would give Justin Herbert a reliable top target.

Adams still has gas in the tank, but where he lands depends on what he values. Does he chase a ring? Look for the biggest contract? Follow Aaron Rodgers again?

Either way, his time with the Jets is over, and his next move could shake up the 2025 NFL season.

Image: Imagn Images

Davante Adams

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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