The NY Jets have already announced their intentions to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The expectation is that many of his longtime teammates, Davante Adams included, are expected to follow him out the door.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey spoke to reporters at the NFL Combine for the first time since his introductory press conference this Tuesday and provided updates on the futures of Rodgers, Adams, and Allen Lazard.
Mougey was intentionally tight-lipped with his responses, insisting that the Jets have not yet made a decision on Adams and Lazard. However, he did use one telling phrase that seems to reveal the full story regarding Adams.
When asked about his star wide receiver's status, Mougey replied that Adams is on the roster "right now." He stopped short of making any commitments about Adams' future, claiming that the Jets will make a final decision in the coming weeks.
The writing is on the wall. Adams has played his final game for the Jets.
The NY Jets strongly hint they will move on from Davante Adams
Adams is still under contract in 2025 with a projected cap hit of over $38 million. There's approximately a zero percent chance the Jets will carry Adams on their roster next season with that cap hit.
When the Jets traded for Adams last year, both sides agreed to leave the future years of his contract untouched. The goal was to allow additional flexibility for both parties beyond the 2024 season.
There is no guaranteed money remaining on Adams' deal, so moving on from him would be an inexpensive venture for the Jets. Adams' contract is also structured in a way that essentially allows him to control his future.
The Jets won't carry Adams at his current cap hit. If he no longer wishes to play for them, he can refuse to restructure his deal, forcing the Jets either to pay him at his current price point (which they won't do) or find him a new home.
In a way, the Jets aren't the ones who will make the decision. Adams will decide in the near future if he plans to play in New York in 2025, and all indications are that he will be looking for a new team this offseason.
The Jets haven't made any official statements on Adams as they did with Rodgers, but it seems pretty clear at this stage what's going to happen. Expect Adams to either be traded or outright released in the coming weeks.