Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and the New York Jets have finally reunited, creating massive expectations for the team's future.
The Jets acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with Rodgers in a blockbuster trade confirmed by The Post’s Brian Costello. This marks one of the biggest moves in recent seasons for the Jets, adding Rodgers’ longtime go-to receiver. While the team has brought in several of Rodgers’ former teammates over the past two years, none have the potential to make a bigger impact than Adams.
In exchange for the six-time Pro Bowler, the Jets sent a conditional third-round draft pick to the Raiders, which could upgrade to a second-round pick based on Adams' performance. Adams, 31, is owed $12.1 million for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN. Despite a hamstring injury sidelining him for the last three games, he managed 18 receptions, 209 yards, and a touchdown in just three games this season.
The Jets will also absorb the remainder of Adams’ contract, which includes base salaries of $35.6 million for each of the next two seasons. However, with no guaranteed money, Adams could face the possibility of becoming a cap casualty if things don't work out.
While Adams' acquisition bolsters an already talented receiving corps—headlined by star wideout Garrett Wilson, who has posted back-to-back 100-yard games—the move raises eyebrows. Was adding another top receiver a luxury more than a necessity? The Jets already have Allen Lazard on a four-year, $44 million deal, and Mike Williams on a one-year, $10 million contract as strong complements to Wilson.
Yet, one glaring issue remains: protecting Rodgers. Even though the Jets have pass-rusher Haason Reddick in a contract holdout since March, and offensive line protection continues to be a concern, it was impossible to keep Rodgers and Adams apart. Their connection in Green Bay resulted in a remarkable 622 receptions, 7,590 yards, and 69 touchdowns from 2014 to 2021.
Adams' departure from the Raiders comes after he reunited with his former college quarterback, Derek Carr, only for the Raiders to cut Carr after a single season. Since then, Adams had been rumored to want out of Las Vegas, with Carr’s new team, the Saints, reportedly on his wish list. Teams like the Bills, Chiefs, Cowboys, Commanders, and Steelers also had Adams on their radar, but in the end, it was the Jets who got their man.
This trade keeps Adams away from the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills, while also avoiding the nightmare scenario of him joining Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Rodgers and Adams' chemistry, along with Adams' years of experience anticipating Rodgers' every move, gives the Jets a major advantage heading into the rest of the season.
With Lazard, Nathaniel Hackett, and a string of other Rodgers’ allies already in place, Adams’ arrival signals the Jets’ commitment to going all-in. As the team prepares for a playoff push, the stakes couldn't be higher for Rodgers, Adams, and the entire organization.
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