The New York Jets are finalizing a significant trade to acquire star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, as they aim to turn their season around and end their 50-year Super Bowl drought. According to reports, the Raiders will receive a conditional third-round pick, which could escalate to a second-round pick depending on Adams’ performance or if the Jets make a deep playoff run.
Adams arrived in New Jersey for a physical to finalize the deal, with the Jets taking on his remaining $11.59 million salary for this season. While he’s under contract for 2025 and 2026 at a much higher salary, the Raiders will carry substantial dead cap charges for the trade.
This trade reunites Adams with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, rekindling one of the NFL’s most prolific duos from their time with the Green Bay Packers. Over seven seasons together, Rodgers and Adams connected for 615 receptions, 7,529 yards, and 68 touchdowns, making them the second-most productive quarterback-receiver tandem during that span.
Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed that the trade was in progress and emphasized the importance of Adams’ familiarity with Rodgers, which could significantly bolster the team’s offense.
The Jets, currently on a three-game losing streak and holding a 2-4 record, have been aggressively trying to win now since acquiring Rodgers in 2023. Adams’ reunion with Rodgers seemed inevitable, as both expressed a desire to play together again. Adams, who had a rocky tenure with the Raiders, including conflicts with the coaching staff and a formal trade request, prioritized a move to the Jets, who outbid other teams to secure the wide receiver.
General manager Joe Douglas had long been interested in Adams, making inquiries as early as the 2023 trade deadline. Despite initial resistance from the Raiders, Douglas persisted and successfully completed the trade this time. The move increases pressure on both Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, as the Jets are desperate to end a 13-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Adams joins a talented receiving corps that includes young standout Garrett Wilson, veteran Mike Williams, and Allen Lazard. Wilson has been compared to a young Adams by Rodgers, though their connection took time to develop early in the season.
Meanwhile, Williams has struggled, including a costly mistake in a recent loss to the Buffalo Bills. With Adams in the mix, the Jets hope to energize their offense and give Rodgers the weapons needed to salvage their season.
