The New York Jets have announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not be returning in 2025, which likely means they will trade wide receiver Davante Adams in the near future. Adams, a former second-round pick, reached the height of his career as one of the league’s elite players.
While he’s no longer considered a top-three receiver, he remains productive and capable of succeeding without Rodgers. After spending 2024 with both the Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, the six-time Pro Bowler recorded 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
Despite still having plenty left in the tank, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Jets will trade Adams, with the Los Angeles Chargers being an ideal destination. Knox points out that Adams’ contract and the Jets’ situation make him a likely candidate to be moved before the 2025 season kicks off.
Trading Adams would free up an impressive $30 million in cap space for 2025. The Los Angeles Chargers, with $65.6 million in projected cap space, could benefit from adding a seasoned veteran to complement their young wide receivers, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Bleacher Report: Chargers Could Trade For Jets Davante Adams
Knox is right about the Chargers needing another wide receiver. Head coach Jim Harbaugh took over a roster coming off one of the most unsuccessful “all-in” efforts in recent memory, with limited cap space to address the team’s numerous weaknesses.
With little roster flexibility, Harbaugh had no choice but to move on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, putting his faith in the unproven young players.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey stepped up and appears to be one of the most promising young talents in the league. On the other hand, Quentin Johnston was too inconsistent and might be better suited for a depth role.
Now that the Chargers have the cap space, they could pursue a trade for a player like Davante Adams, who could help elevate Los Angeles and push them deep into the playoffs. But is he the best fit for this team, and when might a trade happen?
Timing A Move
Unless the Jets are willing to cover a significant portion of his contract, a trade for Davante Adams before free agency seems unlikely. While Adams remains a solid player, he isn’t the top wide receiver available by a large margin. Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin are both set to hit the market and, at this stage of their careers, are younger and arguably better options.
Moreover, the Chargers wouldn’t need to give up any draft picks to land Higgins or Godwin. Though their contracts may exceed Adams’, Los Angeles has the cap room to pursue a top-tier talent. Adams would likely cost no more than a Day 3 draft pick, but the Chargers might prefer Higgins with a late-round pick over Adams and some cap space.
However, the Chargers won’t be the only suitors for Higgins or Godwin. If teams like the New England Patriots or Washington Commanders outbid them, the Chargers could reconsider a trade for Adams. Until those other receivers are off the market, though, Adams is likely to remain a backup option for the team.
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