The one QB target who could help the NY Jets keep Davante Adams

News of the NY Jets moving on from Aaron Rodgers has sent ripple effects throughout the organization and the league. The first domino to fall could be star wide receiver Davante Adams, as reports suggest he wants to play elsewhere. All signs indicate the Jets are likely to grant that request.

Jets fans are divided on whether this is a good or bad thing. However, regardless of whether the team’s 2025 quarterback is a rookie or a savvy veteran, they could benefit from Adams’ leadership and talent.

Adams showed outstanding professionalism during a tumultuous 2024 campaign, while simultaneously proving he still had plenty left in the tank with 67 receptions for 854 yards in just 11 games with the Jets. With a new culture being instilled, Adams would be a good veteran to keep around to promote said culture.

He wants to play for a contender, though. He may even want to follow Rodgers if the future Hall of Famer opts not to retire. It doesn't seem very plausible that the Jets will be able to convince Adams to stay.

There may be one way, however.

One quarterback linked to the Jets’ search is Adams’ former teammate, Derek Carr. While Carr isn’t Aaron Rodgers, he might be good enough to keep the Jets in the playoff race late in the season. His presence could also help persuade Adams to stay.

Derek Carr could help the NY Jets keep Davante Adams

Adams spent just one season with Derek Carr in Las Vegas in 2022 but was also his teammate at Fresno State. That year was one of the best of Adams’ career, as he played all 17 games and recorded 100 catches for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns.

While they weren’t quite Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, Adams and Carr were very effective together. Plus, regardless of their past, Carr could make the Jets competitive enough that Adams may want to stay.

How realistic is it that the Jets land Carr, though?

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report predicts that the Jets will land the 34-year-old quarterback in a surprising trade. It still remains unclear as to whether the Saints plan to make Carr available, despite some rumors of that being the case.

The Saints are struggling to manage a tight salary cap, so it may behoove them to cut ties and begin a full rebuild process with new head coach Kellen Moore. If they do, you can bet Darren Mougey will at least make a call.

Another major question — one I don’t have the answer to — is how much Carr and his $51 million cap hit will be worth on the open market. There’s no answer yet, but you can bet the Jets will explore what it would take.

The Jets' offensive line showed improvement in several areas this season. The offense also features skill position stars like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and young running backs such as Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Adding Carr to the mix could make for a potent unit.

With a solid and established defense on the other side of the ball, that’s a team Adams might want to stay for. While I'm not sure there's a quarterback out there who can convince him to stay, if there is one, it's probably Carr.

More NY Jets news and analysis: