Jets Officially Cut Davante Adams

With the recent fallout from the New York Jets’ tumultuous season, many had anticipated a significant overhaul within the organization as they approached this offseason. Among the most prominent names expected to exit was future Hall of Famer Davante Adams. On Thursday, just three weeks after parting ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it was officially announced that the New York Jets would be releasing Adams, a move that sparked little surprise across the league.

Adams’ release aligns with the team's broader strategy, particularly given his substantial impact on the salary cap. He was slated to carry a staggering $38.3 million cap hit in 2025, which would have been the highest for any wide receiver that season. This figure included a hefty $35.6 million in non-guaranteed base salary—an obligation the Jets inherited last October when they traded for Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. By parting ways with the 32-year-old receiver, the Jets cleared a significant $29.9 million from their cap for this year—a move that more than doubled their available cap space.

This financial flexibility allows the Jets to approach free agency with renewed vigor and ambition. They can now pursue high-impact acquisitions to bolster their roster. However, the severance from Adams isn't entirely devoid of complications. The team faces an $8.4 million dead cap charge, stemming from the prorated renegotiation bonus Adams received at the time of his trade to New York.

Despite his release, Adams remains a highly talented player with plenty left in the tank despite his age. During his time with the Jets, he recorded 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. Combined with his stats in Las Vegas, he eclipsed 1,000 yards for the fifth straight year. I’m confident that many teams will now be bidding for his services, as nearly every franchise could benefit from having a quality veteran wide receiver.

With that said, the focus now shifts to where Adams may end up. Many have linked him to Aaron Rodgers, as they reunited in New York last season. Some have suggested a potential move across the street to the Giants; however, nothing official has been stated about the two coming as a package deal. Regardless, with free agency set to open soon, things will start to ramp up quickly. If anything, I expect Adams to be one of the first names to come off the market, as there should be no shortage of significant offers.