Jets expected to make a run for big-time target to appease Aaron Rodgers
The New York Jets aren't done trying to make the offensive personnel better — and quarterback Aaron Rodgers happy. According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, sources around the league expect the team to make a run to acquire star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Rodgers and Adams played together between […]
The New York Jets aren't done trying to make the offensive personnel better — and quarterback Aaron Rodgers happy. According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, sources around the league expect the team to make a run to acquire star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rodgers and Adams played together between 2014 and 2021 for the Green Bay Packers and had a lot of success. The pair had 694 catches for 8,500 yards, and 77 touchdowns in 119 games, including regular season and playoffs.
Right before the trade deadline, there were rumors stating that Adams could accept a trade out of the Raiders. He shared frustration with his role within the offense.
"I'm a human being and I have extremely high standards for myself in this offense," Adams said at the time. "When you're a player like me, mentally, my benchmark is not wins and losses, it's greatness. So when I go out there, I expect to be able to have that ability to put that on tape and have an influence on the game."
Apparently, things got better after the Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and promoted Antonio Pierce to interim HC. Davante has had 57 receptions for 659 yards, and three touchdowns this season.
Contract
Davante Adams is under contract with the Raiders through 2026, a deal he signed immediately after being traded from the Packers in 2021. He's slated to make $17.5 million in 2024 ($16.89 million of which are fully guaranteed), $36.25 million in 2025, and $36.25 million in 2026. That's how much money the Jets would absorb in the case of a trade.
The Raiders would have $23.55 million in dead money — the result of the prorated signing bonus and of a restructure, which means it's money already paid that hasn't hit the cap yet.
Trade scenario
The Jets have more draft capital in 2024 exactly because Aaron Rodgers got hurt. Because he won't play at least 65% of the team's offensive snaps this season, the team will not send a first-round pick to the Packers — instead, it will be a second-rounder.
Therefore, the Jets have a bigger chance at convincing the Raiders to make a deal.
It's unclear how much Las Vegas would be willing to part ways with its best offensive player, but it will most likely depend on who the new general manager and head coach will be, and what their plan will look like for the future.
It's about the people
The Jets have added several former Packers teammates, as receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are on the roster — Lazard is under contract through 2026 as well, while Cobb is slated to be a free agent next offseason. The Jets also have offensive tackle Billy Turner and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett with a history with Rodgers.
The quarterback ruptured his Achilles in his fourth play for the Jets, but he's expected to make a full recovery before the 2024 season.
Look: Proof that Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers still have a great relationship
Davante Adams revealed this past week that Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future with the Green Bay Packers was one of the major reasons he wanted to be traded to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason. Adams' desire to be traded had nothing to do with his relationship with Rodgers. There was no falling out between […]
