Davante Adams just buried the Jets with one not-so-subtle offseason shot

Davante Adams didn’t hold back when asked about his fresh start with the Los Angeles Rams, and his comments sure sound like a not-so-subtle shot at the New York Jets.

The former All-Pro wide receiver, who signed a two-year, $44 million contract with Los Angeles this offseason, described the Rams’ environment as “rejuvenating” and praised the “vibe” and “aura” around the team when speaking to reporters this week.

Adams didn’t name names, but he made it clear the contrast to his last few seasons was significant. “It’s not like a dark cloud over the building,” Adams said. “And I’ve experienced that quite a bit over the last few years.”

That dark cloud? Jets fans know it well. Adams played 11 games in green and white during a disastrous 2024 campaign that saw New York spiral to a 5-12 finish, cycle through off-field controversies, and ultimately part ways with both Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas.

If this was a shot at the Jets — and it sure sounds like one — it’s hard to say he’s entirely wrong.

Davante Adams says a 'dark cloud' was hanging over the NY Jets

The dysfunction Adams alluded to wasn’t exactly subtle. The Jets entered 2024 with high expectations and a “healthy” Aaron Rodgers under center, but it didn’t take long for the season to unravel.

The team started 2-3, head coach Robert Saleh was fired just five games into the year, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich quickly found himself in over his head.

Defensive regression, locker room tension, a Haason Reddick holdout, and frequent headlines about owner Woody Johnson’s meddling painted the picture of a franchise in complete disarray.

Adams was acquired in a last-ditch attempt to save the season and possibly salvage the Rodgers era altogether. The Jets sent a 2025 third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite Rodgers with his longtime favorite target, and to their credit, the duo still showed flashes of chemistry down the stretch.

Adams totaled 854 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games with New York, but it wasn’t nearly enough to stop the bleeding. The Jets finished 5-12, fired Douglas before the year ended, and released Adams in March.

Now in Los Angeles, Adams has landed in a far more stable situation. The Rams have undergone their own transformation this offseason, releasing Cooper Kupp and retooling their offense around a younger group of playmakers.

Adams has praised the Rams’ “college-type camaraderie” and quickly found his footing in Sean McVay’s system. For the first time in years, the 31-year-old sounds genuinely energized, and the not-so-veiled contrast to his time in New York tells you everything about how bleak things got behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, the Jets enter 2025 with arguably the thinnest wide receiver room in the NFL. Garrett Wilson remains a star, but behind him, it’s anyone’s guess.

Veterans Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds — both of whom would be fringe WR3s on most contending rosters — are slated to battle for the WR2 role, assuming Lazard isn’t traded this summer.

The Jets also have young fliers such as rookie Arian Smith and 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley, but both remain unproven. For now, there’s no true replacement for Adams, and his absence is as glaring as his recent remarks.

Ultimately, both sides seem ready to move on. Adams is feeling refreshed in Los Angeles, while the Jets are hoping a new regime can provide hope for a brighter future.

More NY Jets news and analysis: