After a brief and uneventful half-season with the New York Jets, wide receiver Davante Adams is now a free agent. The three-time All-Pro, who was traded to New York from the Las Vegas Raiders in mid-October, was released by the team on March 4.
Jets Release Davante Adams To Avoid Potential $38 Million Cap Hit
The Jets tried to shake things up during the 2024 NFL season when they traded for Adams, but the move didn’t pan out. It’s not that Adams put up bad numbers — he had 67 receptions for 854 yards and seven touchdowns with New York — but after he was traded, it didn’t translate to wins, and the Jets’ season unraveled.
So, it’s no surprise that Adams was released. Nevertheless, he remains a big-name wide receiver on the market.
Adams was due a $38 million cap hit for 2025, and there was little chance of the Jets bringing him back or another team trading for him at that salary. Now, according to Spotrac, Adams’ market value projects a two-year, $27 million deal, which would make him the 21st-highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
That contract would be similar to recent deals signed by Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans, Tyler Lockett, and DeAndre Hopkins — putting Adams in a strong position as free agency begins.
6 Potential Landing Spots for Adams
Green Bay Packers
While the Green Bay Packers have expressed confidence in their young receiving corps, adding a proven veteran like Adams would take their offense to another level.
Adams himself hinted at a possible return to Green Bay during an appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, stating, “It’s looking right now like they [Packers] might need some receiver help in one way or the other. … Maybe a veteran or something, we’ll see.”
When asked about the possibility of Adams returning, Packers quarterback Jordan Love expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I’m not mad about it. Davante, that’s my guy. Obviously, I was with him for a good amount of time there in Green Bay, my first couple seasons, and I know exactly what type of player he is, and a phenomenal guy.”
Love praised Adams’ route running and playmaking ability, which could make a reunion a real possibility.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers finished 17th in PFSN’s offensive rankings for 2024, relying heavily on their elite defense. Ladd McConkey did emerge as the team’s top receiver, though, as a rookie, while Quentin Johnston showed improvement in his second season.
The team is expected to draft a running back in 2025, but Adams could be an immediate offensive boost. With one of the highest cap spaces in the NFL, the Chargers are well-positioned to make an offer.
Adams may also enjoy a return to the AFC West, where he would face the Las Vegas Raiders twice a season.
Denver Broncos
Directly above the Chargers, the Denver Broncos ranked 16th in PFSN’s Offense+ metrics, and outside of Courtland Sutton, no receiver surpassed 1,000 yards.
Denver needs reinforcements, and adding Adams plus a young receiver from the draft could be a game-changer. The Broncos have nearly $41 million in cap space, but would Adams want to play with second-year quarterback Bo Nix instead of a more established passer like Justin Herbert?
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered an embarrassing Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with their offensive line and receiving corps struggling. And despite attempts, over the 2024 season, the Chiefs lacked a true No. 1 wideout.
Adams could step into that role alongside Xavier Worthy, who led the team with 59 catches for 638 yards. However, Kansas City currently remains $3 million over the salary cap, making this a financially difficult move.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams could lose several receivers this offseason. Cooper Kupp is rumored to be on the trade block, and Demarcus Robinson is set to be a free agent.
The Rams did re-sign Tutu Atwell to a one-year deal, but Puka Nacua is the only sure thing in Los Angeles’ receiving corps. Yet, with over $45 million in cap space, the Rams have the flexibility to sign Adams.
New Orleans Saints
After a disastrous 5-12 season, the New Orleans Saints need immediate offensive upgrades, especially at wide receiver, where no player surpassed 600 yards.
Former Saints Super Bowl champion Scott Shanle hinted that New Orleans is interested in Adams, pointing to his connection with New Orleans’ WRs coach Keith Williams.
Adams also has a strong bond with Derek Carr, his former college and Raiders teammate.
However, the Saints have a drastic cap issue at the moment, making a big signing nearly impossible.