Speculation is mounting that former teammates Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers may find themselves playing side by side once again. The New York Jets are reportedly gearing up for a vigorous bid to enlist Adams, the elite wide receiver currently with the Las Vegas Raiders, as per reports from ESPN.
This follows the Jets’ spectacular signing of Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in a surprise offseason trade. Consequently, Jets’ general manager, Joe Douglas, is rumoured to have initiated negotiations with the Raiders over an Adams trade well before the NFL trade window closed.
Adams’ dissatisfaction with the Raiders’ performance under quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was undeniable, providing ample fuel to these talks. Interestingly, part of the receiver’s trade considerations to the Raiders involved Derek Carr, his former college quarterback at Fresno State.
It was expected that Carr, now with the New Orleans Saints, would remain the Raiders’ main quarterback, but the side opted for Garoppolo. Garoppolo’s three-year deal didn’t yield desired outcomes for the Raiders, who posted a 3-5 record in eight games, visibly aggravating Adams.
Insider reports from ESPN suggest that the Jets maintain a keen interest in Adams. However, Adams’ future with the Raiders remains uncertain and is likely to hinge on the team’s performance throughout the rest of the season.
The Raiders, who recently appointed Antonio Pierce as their interim head coach after dismissing Josh McDaniels, have seen a 5-5 record since the change. The team’s victories under Pierce’s guidance seem to have appeased Adams, at least for now.
The challenge for the Raiders lies in their forthcoming matches featuring Aidan O’Connell, the rookie quarterback, since Pierce’s takeover. Their schedule includes encounters with the Miami Dolphins immediately, the Kansas City Chiefs twice, and the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers thereafter.
The narrative around Adams could shift if the Raiders manage to keep their winning momentum alive and challenge for a spot in the playoffs. However, should they fall short, Adams might very well pursue a trade, an opportunity the Jets would gladly seize.
Together, Rodgers and Adams cultivated a potent offense while at Green Bay, becoming a formidable duo that set a new benchmark for on-field chemistry. Rodgers found in Adams a reliable target, particularly within scoring range. Adams’ caliber was demonstrated in his league-topping touchdown catches in 2020 – a staggering 18. Since being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft 2014, Adams has amassed 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns with Rodgers.
While not on the same team, the duo has maintained their close friendship. This was evident during the Jets’ away game against the Raiders last week for ‘Sunday Night Football’ when Rodgers and Adams shared a special moment at Allegiant Stadium. The game concluded with a 16-12 victory for the Raiders.
As the Jets hope for Rodgers’ timely recovery from his Achilles rupture, which transpired in the first week of the season, they are on a mission to provide him with as much offensive support as possible. The team intents emphasize taking a shot at the playoffs for the first time in ten years, and Adams can certainly intensify their offense.
Combining Adams with promising athletes like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall would no doubt light up faces in the Jets’ camp. Adams is midway through his five-year, $140 million contract which he signed with the Raiders just last season. A clause in the agreement posits a potential exit in 2025, putting him in line to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 at the ripe age of 35.