The New York Jets’ 2024 NFL season was marked by high expectations, primarily due to the reunion of quarterback Aaron Rodgers with his former Green Bay Packers teammates, wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard. This trio was anticipated to elevate the Jets’ offense to new heights. However, as the season concluded, the future of both Adams and Lazard with the Jets has become a focal point of speculation and debate.
The Acquisition and Performance of Davante Adams
In October 2024, the Jets made a significant move by trading for Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. This trade reunited Adams with Rodgers, rekindling a partnership that had been highly productive in Green Bay. During his brief tenure with the Jets, Adams showcased his elite skills, recording 88 receptions for 1,290 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite his individual success, the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations, leading to questions about the long-term viability of this high-profile reunion.
Allen Lazard’s Journey with the Jets
Allen Lazard joined the Jets in March 2023, signing a four-year, $44 million contract. His arrival was partly influenced by the team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, as Lazard had established chemistry with the quarterback during their time in Green Bay. In the 2024 season, Lazard’s contributions were modest; he appeared in seven games, amassing 30 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns before a chest injury sidelined him in Week 8. His absence highlighted the Jets’ depth issues at the wide receiver position and raised concerns about the return on investment for his substantial contract.
Aaron Rodgers’ Departure and Its Implications
The offseason brought a seismic shift for the Jets with the announcement of Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the team. This decision has profound implications for both Adams and Lazard. Their initial moves to New York were heavily influenced by the opportunity to play alongside Rodgers. With his exit, the rationale for retaining both receivers diminishes, especially considering their significant cap hits and the team’s need to rebuild its offensive strategy around a new quarterback.
Potential Destinations for Davante Adams
Given his status as one of the league’s premier wide receivers, Davante Adams is expected to attract considerable interest from multiple teams. Reports suggest that Adams is intrigued by the possibility of playing on the West Coast, with teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers emerging as potential suitors. These franchises offer competitive rosters and, in some cases, established quarterbacks, which could appeal to Adams as he seeks to continue his illustrious career.
Another intriguing possibility is a reunion with the Green Bay Packers. Recent reports indicate that Adams is open to returning to Green Bay, where he enjoyed the most productive years of his career. The Packers have seen growth from their young receiving corps, but the addition of a proven veteran like Adams could provide a significant boost to their offense. However, financial considerations and the Packers’ commitment to developing their young talent may influence this potential reunion.
Allen Lazard’s Trade Availability
The Jets have reportedly made Allen Lazard available for trade, signaling a willingness to move on from the veteran receiver. Several teams in need of receiving depth could express interest in Lazard. The Baltimore Ravens, for instance, have faced challenges at the wide receiver position and might view Lazard as a valuable addition to complement their offensive scheme. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy—who briefly coached Lazard in Green Bay—could see him as a fit to bolster their receiving corps.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
From a financial standpoint, releasing or trading both Adams and Lazard would provide the Jets with significant salary cap relief. Lazard is owed a non-guaranteed base salary of $11 million in both 2025 and 2026. Releasing him before June 1 would result in a balanced split between cap savings and dead money. Opting for a post-June 1 release would offer $11 million in savings against a minimal dead cap charge, though these funds wouldn’t be available until after June 1. These financial maneuvers would grant the Jets flexibility to pursue other free agents or invest in developing their younger talent.
The Future of the Jets’ Receiving Corps
With the potential departures of Adams and Lazard, the Jets’ receiving corps faces a period of transition. Garrett Wilson, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, remains a cornerstone of the unit. His production, despite inconsistent quarterback play, underscores his value to the team. The Jets may prioritize securing Wilson with a contract extension, ensuring stability at the position. Additionally, the team is likely to explore affordable options to complement Wilson, either through free agency or the NFL Draft.
What Could the Jets Gain from Trading Adams and Lazard?
If the Jets decide to part ways with Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, they could gain valuable assets that might help them rebuild their offense and address other needs on their roster. Let’s explore how potential trades could benefit New York.
1. Draft Capital
One of the biggest advantages of trading both Adams and Lazard would be acquiring draft picks. With the Jets in need of long-term solutions at quarterback and offensive line, moving these receivers could yield valuable draft capital.
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Davante Adams’ Trade Value
Given Adams’ elite status, the Jets could demand a first-round pick or multiple high draft selections in return. Teams like the Rams, Chargers, or 49ers—who are looking for a Super Bowl push—might be willing to part with valuable picks to secure an immediate playmaker. -
Allen Lazard’s Trade Value
Lazard, while not as elite as Adams, could still fetch a mid-to-late-round pick. His experience and chemistry with quarterbacks in West Coast-style offenses make him a solid WR3 or depth option for teams in need.
Acquiring extra draft picks would allow the Jets to stockpile young talent and retool for the future.
2. Salary Cap Relief
The Jets currently have significant financial commitments to Adams and Lazard. Trading both would create much-needed cap space.
- Davante Adams is owed around $17 million in 2025. Moving him would free up space to pursue free agents or extend current players.
- Allen Lazard has an $11 million non-guaranteed base salary in 2025 and 2026. Trading or releasing him post-June 1 could save the Jets significant money.
With this additional cap space, the Jets could sign younger, more affordable receivers or bolster their offensive line and quarterback position.
3. Resetting the Offensive Identity
With Aaron Rodgers gone, the Jets will need a new offensive identity. A trade would allow the team to build around Garrett Wilson and a fresh crop of receivers. Instead of relying on veteran talent, the Jets could focus on younger, more dynamic playmakers.
Potential Trade Destinations for Adams and Lazard
Several teams could be interested in acquiring Adams and Lazard. Let’s take a closer look at where they might land.
Davante Adams – Possible Destinations
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Green Bay Packers
A return to Green Bay would be a storybook ending for Adams. The Packers have a young receiving corps, but adding Adams back into the mix would give Jordan Love a proven target. -
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have Cooper Kupp and breakout star Puka Nacua, but adding Adams would create an elite receiving trio. Matthew Stafford is still playing at a high level, and Adams could push the Rams into Super Bowl contention. -
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but if Aiyuk departs in free agency, Adams could be an ideal replacement. Kyle Shanahan’s system would maximize Adams’ strengths. -
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs struggled at wide receiver in 2024, and pairing Adams with Patrick Mahomes would make their offense nearly unstoppable.
Allen Lazard – Possible Destinations
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Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need another big-bodied receiver for Lamar Jackson. Lazard would fit perfectly in their offense. -
Dallas Cowboys
Mike McCarthy, who coached Lazard in Green Bay, could bring him to Dallas as a red-zone threat alongside CeeDee Lamb. -
New England Patriots
The Patriots lack playmakers at receiver. Lazard would be an upgrade and could help whoever starts at quarterback for them in 2025.
What Happens if the Jets Keep Adams and Lazard?
If the Jets choose to retain both receivers, they must ensure they have a stable quarterback situation. They would also need to address offensive line concerns and coaching consistency to maximize their talents.
However, keeping both receivers would be a financial burden and may limit the team’s ability to add depth at other key positions.