The Las Vegas Raiders have officially traded All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, as announced by the organization on Tuesday. The Jets will send a conditional third-round pick in return, which could become a second-round pick if Adams earns a first- or second-team All-Pro selection this season, or if he’s on the active roster for the AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl. Following this trade, Adams has restructured his contract, reducing his salary cap hit from $11.59 million to $3.21 million for the rest of the season. His newly adjusted contract includes two voidable years, with discussions about a long-term deal in New York slated for the offseason. After the trade, Adams is expected to make his debut with the Jets this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, following a period of absence tied to trade speculation and a hamstring injury that kept him out of the last three games for the Raiders.
This trade comes shortly after the New York Jets suffered a disappointing 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, marking their first match following the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and new offensive coordinator Todd Downing could not steer the Jets away from costly errors during the game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers publicly identified several mistakes from the receiving corps, emphasizing the need for greater attention to detail, particularly after an interception resulted from a miscommunication on routes. Rodgers stated that the team’s struggles reflected broader issues that, if resolved, could change the outcomes of recent close games. The addition of Adams is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Jets’ struggling offense, reuniting him with Rodgers, his former teammate from their years together on the Green Bay Packers.
Adams’ move to New York marks the end of his tumultuous two-plus seasons with the Raiders, where he was traded from the Packers before the 2022 season. At that time, he signed a lucrative five-year contract worth $140 million, becoming a notable addition to the Raiders after a standout career catching passes from Rodgers. During his first season, Adams shone brightly, being named a first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year, achieving 100 receptions, garnering 1,516 yards, and leading the league with 14 touchdown catches. However, despite Adams’ success, the Raiders finished the season with a disappointing 6-11 record, culminating in quarterback Derek Carr being benched and eventually released.
Since Adams’ acquisition, multiple significant changes have occurred within the Raiders’ organization. Following a 3-5 start to the 2023 season, the team saw the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler, who were pivotal in bringing Adams on board. Interim coach Antonio Pierce managed to turn things around with a 5-4 finish last season, but the Raiders have struggled this year, highlighted by a recent blowout loss to a struggling Carolina Panthers team and ranking 27th in total offense with a record of 2-4. With the team not positioned for immediate success, they concluded it was prudent to part with a seasoned veteran like Adams, who ideally would contribute more to a competitive team.
The anticipation around Adams’ potential move had lingered for months, especially as the Raiders faced adversity on the field. Initial denials from general manager Tom Telesco regarding trade interests in February shifted as the team’s performance faltered. Reports circulated throughout September that Adams was on the trading block, intensifying speculation about his future. Although Adams himself stated there had been no direct communication from the Raiders regarding trade discussions, the mounting evidence suggested a readiness for a deal that ultimately came to fruition.
Adams’ transition to the Jets not only brings immediate hope for a rejuvenated offense but also creates a strong narrative around his partnership with Rodgers. Their chemistry from their previous tenure together is expected to play a crucial role in finding success with the Jets, especially after recent performances fell short of expectations. As Adams joins the Jets, there is optimism that his presence will mitigate the issues that led to the team’s recent struggles while enhancing the possibility of making a competitive run in the remainder of the season. The unfolding dynamics in Las Vegas and New York set the stage for an intriguing shift in the landscape of the NFL as teams navigate the complexities of roster changes amidst competition for playoff spots.
