The New York Jets have released Davante Adams, their standout wide receiver, just three weeks after parting ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This decision marks a significant shift for the franchise as it seeks to reconfigure its roster under the new leadership of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Adams, who was set to be a $38.3 million cap hit in 2025, leaves the Jets with substantial salary cap relief, clearing $29.9 million from this year's budget.
Adams, renowned for his prowess on the field, boasts 957 career receptions, ranking fourth among active players. His journey to the Jets began after spending eight fruitful years alongside Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. The Jets acquired Adams from the Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, hoping to reignite the chemistry between him and Rodgers.
Last season, Adams had a promising start but eventually saw his playing time diminish. Despite this, he remained a key target, receiving 112 targets in 11 games—third most in the NFL—compared to fellow receiver Garrett Wilson's 87. The disparity was particularly evident in the red zone, where Adams was targeted 21 times, while Wilson received only 11 opportunities.
The Jets' decision to release Adams reflects a broader strategy of dismantling the team they built around Rodgers when they went all-in for his acquisition two years ago. The restructuring extends beyond Adams; wide receiver Allen Lazard has been granted permission to seek a trade before the league year commences on March 12. Lazard, another favorite target of Rodgers during their time together at Green Bay, signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets before Rodgers' arrival in April 2023. Despite his promise, Lazard only managed 60 receptions for 841 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
With Lazard's potential departure, the Jets face a thin lineup at the receiver position. The new regime is decisively shedding remnants of the Rodgers era, which concluded last season with a disappointing 5-12 record. This poor performance triggered an organizational overhaul aimed at steering the franchise in a new direction.
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