Will the Jets Move on from Davante Adams and Allen Lazard Next?
As the 2025 NFL offseason progresses, the New York Jets are facing a series of pivotal decisions regarding their roster, particularly at the wide receiver position. After a tumultuous season following Aaron Rodgers’ injury, the Jets are looking to reshape their offense and get back to playoff contention. Two players at the center of recent trade buzz are wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard—both of whom played pivotal roles in the offense during the 2024 season.
Adams, one of the league’s premier wide receivers, was originally thought to be a major addition to the Jets following a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. Lazard, on the other hand, was brought in during the offseason to provide familiarity to Rodgers, who was his former teammate in Green Bay. While both players have shown flashes of their ability, questions have been raised as to whether the Jets will continue with their current roster or decide to move on from Adams and Lazard.
Here’s a closer look at the situation surrounding both receivers and whether the Jets will choose to move on from them in the coming months.
The Davante Adams Situation: A Star Who Hasn’t Lived Up to Expectations
When the Jets acquired Davante Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, the expectation was that he would immediately provide an elite weapon in their passing attack. With Aaron Rodgers under center, Adams and Rodgers were expected to rekindle the chemistry they had in Green Bay, a pairing that had produced numerous Pro Bowl seasons and playoff appearances.
However, the Jets’ 2024 season did not unfold as planned. Aaron Rodgers was injured early in the year, forcing the team to turn to backup quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle. As a result, Adams’ production and impact were stymied. Despite still posting solid numbers, Adams didn’t have the same dynamic presence that he had in his prime years with Green Bay or even in his time with the Raiders. The inconsistent quarterback play limited his ability to truly shine, and many of his big-play opportunities were lost.
Adams, 31, is still widely considered one of the top wideouts in the NFL, with elite route-running, hands, and the ability to make plays at all levels of the field. His trade value could still be significant, and if the Jets decide to part ways with him, it’s possible they could recoup valuable draft picks or players in return.
Why the Jets Might Move on from Davante Adams
- Contract Considerations:
- Davante Adams is still under a substantial contract that could be a major factor in whether the Jets decide to move on from him. If the team needs to clear cap space to address other roster needs, particularly in the quarterback or offensive line positions, Adams’ high salary could be a point of focus. Trading Adams would free up a significant amount of cap room for the Jets, which might be appealing if they plan to make other big moves this offseason.
- Inconsistent Quarterback Play:
- One of the biggest challenges for Adams in 2024 was the lack of stability at quarterback. With Rodgers sidelined, the Jets struggled to find a consistent leader under center. The team might look to trade Adams if they believe they could add a more reliable quarterback in the offseason. A new QB, along with a potential roster shake-up, might allow the Jets to retool their offense without the heavy reliance on Adams. The team might feel that they need a more balanced, versatile approach to their wide receiver room.
- Building for the Future:
- Given that Adams is in the tail end of his prime, the Jets might view his trade as a move toward rebuilding and focusing on younger, cost-controlled assets. If New York is looking to the future, it’s possible that they will prioritize building a new core of players and moving on from high-cost veterans, especially if the team feels that they have already seen Adams’ best years.
Allen Lazard: The Rodgers Connection
When the Jets signed Allen Lazard in free agency ahead of the 2024 season, it was clear that the move was heavily influenced by Rodgers’ desire to reunite with his former Green Bay teammate. Lazard brought much-needed size, speed, and familiarity to the Jets’ receiving corps. At 6’5” and with a strong ability to win contested catches, Lazard offered a physical presence that complemented the more agile receivers on the roster, including Garrett Wilson.
However, Lazard’s production with the Jets in 2024 was underwhelming. Despite the potential for a connection with Rodgers, the lack of continuity at the quarterback position left Lazard struggling to find consistency in his role. His numbers were modest—just 40 receptions for 500 yards and 4 touchdowns—far from what the Jets had hoped when they brought him in.
Lazard is still under contract for the 2025 season, and with his history as a dependable receiver, the Jets could still see value in keeping him as a veteran presence. However, considering his underperformance and the team’s need to assess its roster, Lazard’s future with the Jets could also be in doubt.
Why the Jets Might Move on from Allen Lazard
- Underwhelming Production:
- Lazard was expected to be a key contributor to the Jets’ offense, especially with Rodgers as his quarterback. However, the combination of poor quarterback play and Lazard’s inability to stand out left the Jets with more questions than answers. Moving on from him could allow the Jets to explore younger, cheaper wide receivers who could provide more dynamic playmaking abilities in their offense.
- Roster Flexibility:
- With Lazard’s contract being fairly reasonable for a veteran receiver, moving on from him wouldn’t free up a huge amount of cap space. However, given the Jets’ need to prioritize a potential quarterback move and other roster upgrades, releasing or trading Lazard might still be an attractive option. If the Jets want to open up room for more flexibility, especially at wide receiver, a trade might be beneficial.
- A Shift Toward Youth:
- Similar to Adams, the Jets might be looking to invest in younger, cheaper options at wide receiver. Players like Garrett Wilson are the future of the team, and the Jets might feel that adding more youthful, explosive talent at wide receiver is a priority moving forward. In this case, Lazard could be a candidate to be moved if the Jets feel they can upgrade at the position.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The Jets have several paths to consider when it comes to their wide receiver corps. If they decide to trade or move on from Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, the team will likely be looking to add depth to the position, either through free agency or the draft. The Jets are already loaded with young talent, including the standout Garrett Wilson, but they could use additional reinforcements to ensure that their passing game becomes more explosive and dynamic in 2025.
The trade market for both Adams and Lazard would be intriguing. Adams still holds significant value as one of the top wide receivers in the league, and many teams would likely be interested in acquiring him. Lazard, while not as highly regarded, could still bring solid value as a veteran presence for a team looking for a reliable, physical receiver.
For the Jets, the next few weeks of the offseason will be critical. The direction they choose to go with Adams and Lazard will speak volumes about their long-term strategy and their current priorities. If they decide to move on from these two veterans, it will likely signal a broader shift in the team’s approach to rebuilding and contending for the future.
Ultimately, the Jets’ ability to address their quarterback situation will likely play the biggest role in determining whether they stick with Adams and Lazard. If they can land a proven quarterback who can elevate the entire offense, it’s possible that both receivers could remain in New York. However, if the Jets decide to overhaul the offense and pursue a new direction, Adams and Lazard may find themselves playing elsewhere in 2025.