The New York Jets are “still having conversations with the Las Vegas Raiders about a trade for wide receiver Davante Adams,” according to Dianna Russini from The Athletic.
She reported that the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Buffalo Bills have also been in touch with the Raiders, who are looking for a second-round pick for the six-time Pro Bowler. Las Vegas also wants the team that acquires Adams to take on the rest of his salary for 2024, as mentioned by Russini.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on October 2 that the Jets and Saints were “high” on Adams’ wish list, possibly at the top, as he tries to leave Las Vegas. Recent developments may have improved his chances of ending up in New York.
The Jets recently fired head coach Robert Saleh, a decision that seems to have been influenced—either directly or indirectly—by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, despite what he and team owner Woody Johnson have said. Bringing Rodgers and Adams together would likely be a welcome move for the four-time MVP.
Even without considering the Rodgers connection, a coaching change in the middle of the season shows just how eager the Jets are to win now. They clearly have strong motivation to go after a star player like Adams.
The current situation for the Jets offense isn’t working. In his five games, Rodgers is averaging only 218.6 yards per game and ranks 21st in QBR (49.5), according to ESPN.com. At 40 years old, he seems to be showing his age and doesn’t appear to have a strong connection with his receivers.
It raises questions about how much Adams would actually help the Jets.
Adams is out with a hamstring injury for the third week in a row, and his performance was already declining. Last season, he averaged his lowest receiving yards (67.3) since 2017, and he started 2024 with just 18 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown in three games.
However, the Jets have already made significant efforts to support Rodgers before and after his arrival, and his presence has pushed the team into a “championship-or-bust” mindset.
Trading a second-round pick for Adams seems like a steep price and possibly too much to pay. But general manager Joe Douglas needs to seriously consider whether giving up draft picks for a short-term improvement is worth it because sticking with the current team isn’t a winning strategy.
