Jets part ways with Davante Adams after less than one season: report

Davante Adams and the New York Jets: A Divorce in the Making
The New York Jets are reportedly preparing to part ways with star wide receiver Davante Adams, marking the end of a brief but highly anticipated chapter in the team’s history. According to ESPN, the Jets plan to release Adams, a three-time All-Pro, just months after acquiring him in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. This move comes on the heels of the team’s decision to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with whom Adams has shared a long and storied history dating back to their time together with the Green Bay Packers. Together, Rodgers and Adams were one of the most dynamic quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history, but their reunion in New York did not yield the success many had hoped for.

A Shared Legacy and a Rocky Reunion
Adams and Rodgers spent eight seasons together in Green Bay, where they formed one of the most prolific partnerships in NFL history. However, their time in New York was short-lived and underwhelming. After starting the 2024 season with the Raiders, Adams was traded to the Jets in October to reunite with Rodgers, who had been acquired by the team in a blockbuster trade two years prior. Despite the excitement surrounding their reunion, the duo failed to turn the Jets’ fortunes around. The team struggled on the field, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record for the season. Adams, in particular, did not quite match the lofty expectations, finishing with 854 receiving yards in 11 games—a far cry from his usual All-Pro production. Rodgers, too, did not perform at the level he or the team had hoped for, leading to his eventual departure. The Jets’ failed experiment with the two superstars serves as a reminder that past success does not always guarantee future results.

Salary Cap Relief and Financial Flexibility
The decision to release Adams is not just about performance—it’s also about financial flexibility. By cutting ties with the star receiver, the Jets will save over $29 million on their 2025 salary cap, providing much-needed breathing room for a team looking to rebuild. While the move will still leave a significant dead cap charge, the overall savings are substantial and will allow the Jets to address other areas of their roster in the upcoming offseason. Adams’ contract, which was inherited by the Jets when they traded for him, was set to account for $38.3 million on the cap in 2025, making his release a necessity for a team looking to retool and refresh its roster. The financial implications of this move will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the Jets’ offseason strategy.

Bigger Changes on the Horizon
The Jets are currently in the midst of a major overhaul, both on and off the field. Shortly after the season ended, head coach Robert Saleh was relieved of his duties following a 2-3 start to the year. The team has since hired Aaron Glenn as its new head coach and Darren Mougey as its general manager, signaling a shift in direction for the franchise. The Jets’ previous regime had leaned heavily on bringing in players with ties to Rodgers, including Adams and wide receiver Allen Lazard, who signed with the team in 2023. However, with Rodgers now gone and Adams on his way out, the new regime will have the opportunity to shape the roster in their own image. The offseason is expected to bring sweeping changes, and fans of the Jets will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this pivotal moment.

Adams’ Departure Opens the Door for Young Talent
While the departure of Adams is a significant loss for the Jets, it also creates an opportunity for younger players to step into the spotlight. Garrett Wilson, a promising young receiver, is expected to take on a larger role in Adams’ absence. Wilson has been one of the bright spots for the Jets over the past three seasons, finishing each year with at least 1,000 receiving yards and hauling in a career-high seven touchdowns in 2024. With Adams no longer in the picture, Wilson will have the chance to solidify himself as the team’s top receiver and potentially become the face of the franchise. His development will be a key storyline to watch as the Jets look to build for the future.

Looking Ahead for the Jets
The release of Davante Adams is just the latest in a series of moves that signal a new era for the New York Jets. The team’s decision to move on from Rodgers and Adams marks the end of an experiment that never quite got off the ground. While the duo’s reunion was met with excitement, it ultimately did not translate to success on the field. As the Jets look to the future, they will need to find the right combination of players and coaches to turn the franchise around. With a new coaching staff in place and a young core of talent, including Garrett Wilson, the Jets have the pieces in place to start building something special. Only time will tell if they can capitalize on this opportunity and bring winning football back to New York.