They connected for more than 600 completions and 7,500 yards in eight seasons in Green Bay. Now, three-plus years removed from being teammates, Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers will again hook up on the field, this time in the bright lights of New York.
Adams, a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection, was traded to the Jets by the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. For Rodgers, in his 20th season at age 41, acquiring his favorite receiver and close friend presents a ray of optimism in a season quickly imploding into oblivion.
The Jets are 2-4 and have lost three in a row, most recently Monday night against the Buffalo Bills. Employing the future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback hasn’t moved the needle — the Jets have scored 113 points, the same number they scored through six games last season with beleaguered Zach Wilson under center.
The Raiders, who will receive a third-round draft pick that can become a second-round pick based on Adams’ performance, were not interested in moving the star receiver despite consistent overtures from Jets general manager Joe Douglas until Adams asked to be traded two weeks ago. The Raiders are 2-4 and in last place in the AFC West.
Adams' Request For A Trade
Raiders star receiver Davante Adams slammed his helmet in frustration on the sideline after being overthrown by Jimmy Garoppolo during a 26-14 loss to the Lions on Monday night. Issues between Adams and the Raiders had been festering since last season when he said on a Netflix documentary that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was going to get him killed. Adams wasn’t pleased when Gardner Minshew was named starting quarterback over Aidan O’Connell to begin this season.
Adams has 890 career receptions for 10,990 yards and 96 touchdowns in 11 seasons. He has only 18 catches for 209 yards in three games this season and hasn’t played in three weeks because of a hamstring injury. Adams, 31, is in the third year of a five-year, $140-million contract.
On Sunday the Raiders play the Rams, who suddenly must no longer game plan for Adams. It’s unclear whether he will be healthy enough to play Sunday for the Jets, who visit the Pittsburgh Steelers. Eventually, though, he and Rodgers should resume their connection that averaged 108 receptions and 12 touchdowns per season from 2018 to 2021.
How The Trade Impacts Both Teams
Following their blowout loss to the Steelers on Sunday, I wrote that the Raiders just need to blow this thing up and start anew. As with the Jets, they are 2-4 on the season. However, things don’t seem to be trending in the right direction. Following a surprising Week 2 win over the Baltimore Ravens, things have taken a sour turn for the Silver and Black. That included an ugly loss to the Carolina Panthers in their home opener the following week.
Drama has been the name of the game in Southern Nevada under first-year head coach Antonio Pierce. Obviously, a lot of that had to do with the Adams situation. The Raiders are now looking to put this behind them after dealing Adams for what is pennies on the dollar.
The Road Ahead For Adams And Rodgers
With Adams in the fold, the Jets have a dynamic offense that can take advantage of Rodgers’ arm talent and Adams’ route-running abilities. The two have a history of success together, and there is no reason to believe they can’t do it again in New York.
The Jets are a team that is desperate for a spark, and Adams could be just what they need to get back on track. However, the trade does come with some risks. Adams is 31 years old and has been injury-prone in recent years. He is also playing on a hefty contract.
If Adams can stay healthy and produce at a high level, the Jets will be a force to be reckoned with. However, if he struggles, the trade could backfire on them. It’s a gamble, but one that the Jets felt was worth taking. They are hoping that Adams can help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Adams' Impact On The Jets' Offensive Identity
But it remains to be seen how Adams will fit into the Jets' offensive scheme. They have a run-first offense, and it’s unclear how much Adams will be involved in the passing game. He is a proven playmaker, but he is also a high-maintenance player.
The Jets' offensive identity will be one to watch as the season progresses. They will need to find a way to use Adams’ talents while still incorporating Wilson and the rest of the offense. If they can do that, they could be a very dangerous team.
The Future For Adams and Rodgers
The Jets' decision to trade for Adams is a big gamble. They are hoping that he can help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. If he can stay healthy and produce at a high level, the Jets will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Jets' gamble on Adams is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. If it pays off, they could be a contender in the AFC East. However, if it backfires, it could be another long season for the Jets. Only time will tell how this trade will play out.
The Last Word
The Davante Adams trade to the Jets is one of the biggest stories of the NFL season. It is a bold move by the Jets, and one that could have a major impact on the team’s fortunes. It's also a reunion of two of the most talented players in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how they fare together in New York. Only time will tell what the future holds for Adams and Rodgers in New York.
