New York Jets May Need to Look Elsewhere for Star Receiver

Aaron Rodgers’ hopes for a reunion are likely shattered.

Amid swirling rumors of the New York Jets’ pursuit of a marquee wide receiver, it seems they may have to bid farewell to one of their potential targets. When asked about the prospect of trading Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco responded unequivocally, stating, “He’s a Raider,” and asserting that the team has no intention of trading the six-time Pro Bowler.

While it’s customary for GMs to offer such responses when pressed by the media, Telesco’s remarks appeared particularly resolute. They also align with the prevailing narrative surrounding Adams and the Raiders in recent months. Despite the Jets’ efforts to acquire Adams before the October 31 trade deadline, reports indicated that Las Vegas had no inclination to part ways with Aaron Rodgers’ former top target.

Adams flourished during his eight seasons alongside Rodgers in Green Bay, evolving into one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive weapons. During his final four seasons with Rodgers (2018-21), Adams boasted impressive averages of 108 receptions, 1,328 yards, and 12 touchdowns per season. Together, he and Rodgers formed arguably the most dynamic QB-WR duo in the league during this period.

Following his trade to the Raiders in 2022, where he reunited with college teammate Derek Carr, Adams seamlessly transitioned and continued his stellar performance. In his debut season with Las Vegas, Adams maintained his elite status, amassing 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.

However, Adams’ production waned in 2023 amidst quarterback instability within the Raiders’ ranks. Despite securing 103 of his 180 targets for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns—an impressive output for most receivers—Adams’ performance fell below his usual standards. His average of 67.3 yards per game marked his first season below 80 yards per game since 2017, while his average of 6.5 yards per target was the second-lowest of his career, surpassed only by his sophomore season in 2015.

At 31 years old, Adams still has three seasons remaining on the five-year, $140 million contract he inked with Las Vegas in 2022.

Should the Jets persist in their quest to acquire a star receiver, they may need to shift their focus to the free-agent market, where notable names like Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley headline the options. With Tee Higgins recently taken off the market after receiving the franchise tag from Cincinnati, the Jets’ pursuit of elite receiving talent may encounter further challenges.