Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The New York Jets have released Davante Adams, parting ways with the star wide receiver less than a year after acquiring him from the Las Vegas Raiders. The move comes just three weeks after the team cut quarterback Aaron Rodgers, signaling a complete reset under new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
The Jets also granted Allen Lazard permission to seek a trade, though a release seems more likely given his $11 million salary.
Cap Relief and a Fresh Start
Adams’ release was expected due to his massive $38.3 million cap hit for 2025, the highest among all NFL receivers. By moving on, the Jets clear $29.9 million in cap space, giving them much-needed flexibility in free agency. However, they still carry an $8.4 million dead cap charge from a renegotiation bonus tied to last year’s trade.
The Jets originally acquired Adams from the Raiders in October 2024, sending a 2025 third-round pick in return. While still a productive receiver, Adams, 32, had a contract that made a long-term stay unrealistic.
Failed Rodgers-Adams Reunion
The Jets went all-in for Rodgers in 2023, surrounding him with former Green Bay Packers teammates, including Adams, Lazard, and Randall Cobb. The plan fell apart when Rodgers tore his Achilles just four snaps into the season opener.
In a desperate attempt to salvage the offense, the Jets traded for Adams midseason. But the move failed to turn things around, as the team finished 5-12 after going 3-8 with Adams.
Adams still produced, recording 67 catches for 854 yards and 7 touchdowns in 11 games. Including his early-season numbers with the Raiders, he topped 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight year. His best performance came in a win over Jacksonville, where he had nine catches for 198 yards.
Locker Room Tension and Target Disparity
Adams’ arrival altered the dynamic of the Jets’ passing game. Garrett Wilson, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver, had been the team’s clear No. 1 target. But with Adams in the lineup, he found himself taking a backseat.
In 11 games together, Adams was targeted 112 times—third-most in the league over that span—while Wilson had just 87. The disparity was even more pronounced in the red zone, with Adams receiving 21 targets to Wilson’s 11. Some within the team noticed Rodgers favoring Adams, leading to speculation that Wilson might request a trade. However, with Rodgers now gone, those concerns have diminished.
Jets’ Depth Chart Takes a Hit
With Adams out and Lazard likely on his way out, the Jets’ receiving corps is dangerously thin. Wilson remains the clear No. 1, but beyond him, the top options are Xavier Gipson (27 career receptions) and rookie Malachi Corley (three catches).
Lazard, 29, has been a disappointment since signing a four-year, $44 million deal before the 2023 season. In two years, he recorded just 60 catches for 841 yards and two touchdowns. After a strong start last season, he eventually lost playing time to Adams and was benched.
Adams’ Legacy and Next Steps
Adams, who ranks fourth among active players with 957 career receptions, now hits the open market as one of the most accomplished wideouts available. He spent his first eight seasons in Green Bay, where he built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume with Rodgers before being traded to the Raiders in 2022.
As the Jets move forward, they continue to undo the Rodgers era—clearing cap space, reshaping their roster, and looking to build a more sustainable future.
Related Content: Jets Part Ways with Aaron Rodgers After Two Seasons
This report used information from ESPN.
