Jets Finalize Blockbuster Trade for Davante Adams, Reuniting Star WR with Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets, determined to salvage their season and keep their Super Bowl dreams alive, are finalizing a major trade for star wide receiver Davante Adams, according to sources close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This blockbuster deal is poised to reunite Adams with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, rekindling one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos.

Trade Details: What the Jets Are Giving Up

The Las Vegas Raiders will receive a conditional third-round pick in exchange for Adams, a selection that could potentially escalate to a second-round pick. The improvement depends on Adams earning a spot as a first- or second-team All-Pro this season, or if he remains active on the Jets’ roster during either the AFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl.

According to reports, Adams arrived in New Jersey early Tuesday morning, and the deal is nearing completion pending a physical. The Jets will assume the remainder of Adams’ contract, which includes $13.5 million still owed for this season. His salary for the 2025 and 2026 seasons is set to rise significantly to $36.25 million annually.

Rodgers-Adams Reunion: A Dangerous Duo

Adams, 32, is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. His greatest achievements came alongside Aaron Rodgers during their time with the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2021. Over those years, the pair combined for 615 completions, 7,529 receiving yards, and 68 touchdowns, making them one of the most prolific QB-WR tandems in league history.

The Jets, who have been in “win-now” mode since acquiring Rodgers in 2023, are currently sitting at 2-4 after a three-game losing streak. A Rodgers-Adams reunion seemed inevitable, especially after Rodgers hinted at the possibility during a celebrity golf tournament in July, saying, “I love Davante. I can’t wait to play with him… again.”

Adams’ Roller-Coaster Ride in Las Vegas

Adams’ tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders has been filled with highs and lows. After being traded from the Packers in 2022, Adams reunited with his college quarterback, Derek Carr, only to see Carr benched and later cut after a disappointing 6-11 season. Despite the instability, Adams continued to shine, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 with 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.

However, this season has been a tumultuous one for the Raiders, with quarterback struggles from Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and rookie Aidan O’Connell. Adams caught 103 passes for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2023 season but has dealt with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play in 2024. He has 18 catches for 209 yards and a single touchdown through three games this year, missing the last three games due to a hamstring injury.

The Jets’ Receiving Corps Gets Even Stronger

Adams will join a talented Jets receiving group that includes emerging star Garrett Wilson, veteran Mike Williams, and former Packers teammate Allen Lazard. The Jets also have return specialist Xavier Gipson and rookie Malachi Corley in the mix.

Rodgers has previously compared Wilson’s potential to a young Davante Adams. While the Rodgers-Wilson connection had a slow start to the season, Wilson has recently found his groove, combining for 21 catches, 208 yards, and two touchdowns over the past two games.

Mike Williams, on the other hand, has struggled. Most notably, during the Jets’ 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, Williams ran the wrong route on the Jets’ final play, leading to a game-sealing interception. It marked the second consecutive game in which Williams was the intended receiver on a final play that ended in a turnover.

High Stakes for the Jets’ Season

This move significantly ups the pressure on Jets GM Joe Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced Robert Saleh following his dismissal last week. The Jets have missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons—the longest active drought in the NFL—including the last three under Saleh.

Douglas has been eyeing Adams for a while. He made a push to acquire the star receiver at the 2023 trade deadline but was turned down by the Raiders. His persistence has finally paid off, as Adams was the No. 1 target on the Jets’ wish list after requesting a trade from Las Vegas. The Jets outbid several other interested teams to land the elite wideout.

Can the Jets Turn Their Season Around?

The trade for Adams reflects the Jets’ all-in approach as they look to end their lengthy playoff drought and chase a Super Bowl. With the dynamic pairing of Rodgers and Adams back together, the Jets hope to inject some much-needed life into their offense and make a strong push in the AFC.

As for Adams, this trade brings him back to a familiar quarterback and a fresh opportunity to return to elite form. The Jets’ playoff hopes now hinge on this high-stakes reunion.

All eyes will be on New York as they aim to claw their way out of a 2-4 start and contend for a spot in the postseason with the Rodgers-Adams tandem leading the charge.