Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have been in touch with Aaron Rodgers. Apparently, the same cannot be said for his best friend.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New York Jets have had no contact with Davante Adams since hiring their new coach and general manager.
Rapoport and Mike Garofolo discussed “massaging” Adams’ 2025 cap number to make it more palatable, as the receiver is due $35.6 million in base salary in 2024.
Of course, the Jets could restructure Adams’ contract if they so desire (with or without Adams’ input, depending on the nature of the restructure) — but that assumes they are actually interested in paying Adams $35.6 million. Whether the money counts on the cap in 2025 or in the future, they’d be paying Adams $35.6 million in cash in 2025.
The only realistic way for Adams to remain with the Jets is a pay cut, likely a very significant one. And there are major questions about whether Adams would be willing to take one, especially if Rodgers is no longer with the Jets.
Adams seemingly left the door open to return to the Jets, but he also discussed other team possibilities on the “Up & Adams” show with Kay Adams several times.
Realistically speaking, Adams’ average annual value (regardless of how the Jets split it up) would likely need to get down to around $18-20 million for the Jets to consider keeping him. That would put him in the interval between Mike Evans ($20.5 million) and Jerry Jeudy ($17.5 million), both of whom signed their deals in the 2024 offseason. That’s a pretty fair number for Adams’ production.
Of course, the Jets could also try to trade Adams, although they wouldn’t have much leverage. If Adams does not want to re-work his deal to stay with the Jets, all other teams will know that they have the Jets over a barrel.
However, some team would likely give them at least a late-round draft pick to cut the line for Adams, which is better than releasing him altogether.
Rapoport stated that if the Jets release Adams, the receiver would most likely want to return to the West Coast.
The fact that Glenn and Mougey have not been in touch with Adams does not bode well for his future with the Jets. Still, it’s possible they’re waiting to resolve their situation with Rodgers before approaching the 32-year-old receiver. Adams’ situation is the second major domino that must fall before the Jets can decide how to approach the rest of the offseason.
