When the Las Vegas Raiders traded wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets mid-season last year, the plan on both sides was clear.
The Raiders were hoping to rebuild and felt comfortable refocusing their passing attack on tight end Brock Bowers, while the Jets hoped to rekindle the magic between Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The latter effect failed to materialize, and Raiders fans watched as the third-round pick they acquired in the deal shot up in value. With another offseason of turbulence, many pundits believed that Adams’s stint in the Big Apple would be much briefer than anticipated.
After the latest updates on the wide receiver’s status, however, the Raiders can officially declare victory in the deal.
The New York Jets announced Tuesday that they are releasing Adams after failing to find a trade partner.
Multiple sources have confirmed the decision, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adding that the Jets will save $30 million by releasing Adams.
The release ends a somewhat-disappointing run for Adams on the Jets.
Appearing in 11 games for New York, Adams hauled in 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns. Combined with his stats for the Raiders before the deal, Adams cleared 1,000 yards for the fifth consecutive season. However, with the Jets nowhere close to contention and a new regime coming into town, Adams no longer fit in the timeline of the organization.
Due to being released, Adams now has full control over where he wants to go next.
Following Rodgers to his next destination makes sense, as both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers have inquired about the future Hall of Fame quarterback. However, Adams has also mentioned that he would like to return to the West Coast, returning to his California roots. The Los Angeles Chargers are the favorite in this regard, but the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers would also apply.
Where Adams goes from this point is entirely his decision, but the Raiders can pat themselves on the back for a good bit of business.