Davante Adams Likely Played His Last Game as a New York Jet

A Short-Lived Stint in New York

Davante Adams’ time with the New York Jets appears to be over before it ever truly began. The star wide receiver, who arrived in New York midway through the 2024 season, is now almost certainly on his way out. With Aaron Rodgers no longer in the picture, Adams’ departure seems inevitable. His high salary cap hit in 2025 and the Jets’ decision to rebuild make his exit all but a foregone conclusion.

The Rodgers Connection: A Key Factor in Adams’ Fate

Adams’ move to New York was largely fueled by his long-standing connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two formed one of the NFL’s most dangerous duos during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, and their reunion with the Jets was meant to revitalize both of their careers. However, with Rodgers gone, Adams’ desire to remain with the team has reportedly faded.

At the end of the season, Adams made it clear that his future was tied to Rodgers. Without his former quarterback leading the offense, the wide receiver has little incentive to stay, especially given his hefty $38.3 million cap hit in 2025. While Adams could renegotiate his contract to remain in New York, reports suggest he would rather be released and explore free agency for the first time in his career.

A Cap Situation That Leaves No Room for Adams

Financially, keeping Adams on the roster makes little sense for the Jets. Cutting him would save the team $29.9 million in cap space, giving them more flexibility to invest in younger talent as they embark on what appears to be a major roster overhaul. Given that Adams’ contract does not include any guaranteed money beyond 2024, the Jets are in a prime position to move on without taking a significant financial hit.

From a team-building perspective, New York is in full reset mode after a disappointing 5-12 season. The franchise has already begun making moves to clear out veteran contracts and shift toward a younger core. In that context, there is little reason to keep a 32-year-old receiver on a roster that is prioritizing long-term development over short-term success.

Adams’ Performance in New York

Despite his short tenure with the Jets, Adams proved that he is still an elite wide receiver. After being acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick, he played 11 games with New York, recording 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns. While the Jets struggled as a team, Adams remained one of the few bright spots on an otherwise underwhelming offense.

His ability to produce despite the instability at quarterback speaks volumes about his talent. Even at 32, he remains one of the best route runners in the league, and his hands are as reliable as ever. This makes him an attractive target for contending teams looking for a veteran playmaker to bolster their receiving corps.

What’s Next for Adams?

With his release from the Jets seemingly inevitable, Adams will soon have the freedom to choose his next destination. He is expected to draw significant interest in free agency, particularly from teams in need of a proven number-one receiver. Potential landing spots could include Super Bowl contenders looking to add a veteran presence, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, or even a return to the Green Bay Packers.

Another intriguing possibility is that Adams could follow Rodgers wherever he ends up. While Rodgers has not publicly announced his next move, any team that secures his services would likely be interested in reuniting him with his favorite target.

For Adams, this will be his first experience in free agency, and given his track record, he will have no shortage of options. Whether he chooses to chase another lucrative contract or prioritize playing for a contender remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his time in New York is over.

A New Chapter Awaits

Davante Adams’ tenure with the Jets was brief, but it served as another reminder of his elite talent. While his departure may be a tough pill to swallow for some Jets fans, it aligns with the team’s broader strategy of moving forward with a younger roster. For Adams, this marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that will likely see him land with a team better suited to his championship aspirations.