After weeks of rumors, the New York Jets finally pulled the trigger, trading for All-Pro receiver Davante Adams in a bid to supercharge their offense. The move comes amid massive changes in the Jets’ staff, including the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, elevating defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to interim head coach, and a reshuffle that demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in favor of Todd Downing. The reunion of Adams with his former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has been a long time coming, and the pair couldn’t hide their excitement. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that during the Jets’ first team meeting, Rodgers turned to Adams with a grin, saying, “How crazy is this?”
Adams’ move to New York is hardly a surprise to those who followed his rocky stint with the Raiders, where the team released quarterback Derek Carr and stumbled to a 2-4 start, ultimately prompting Adams to seek a new team. The Jets quickly rose to the top of his wish list, with his longstanding chemistry with Rodgers easing the transition. “It’s been a roller coaster, for sure,” Adams admitted. “It’s a weird thing to say that I’m happy, but, obviously, it was time for a change.”
Though recovering from a hamstring injury, Adams is expected to suit up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, giving the struggling 2-4 Jets a shot at rejuvenating their playoff hopes. His arrival doesn’t just bring another elite playmaker; it shifts the dynamics of the offense, likely giving Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard more space and opportunity.
However, Adams’ addition has led to speculation about Mike Williams’ future with the Jets. Williams, who was called out by Rodgers after an interception-ending play against the Bills, missed practice due to “personal reasons,” sparking trade rumors. Now, with Adams on board, Williams’ role could be in jeopardy.
As Adams heads to the East Coast, his former Raiders teammate Maxx Crosby expressed his mixed emotions. “Davante is my boy. I love him to death,” Crosby said. “That’s my guy, but… I’m focused on who’s here now.”
For the Jets, Adams might just be the missing piece to their offensive puzzle. With Rodgers and Adams back in action, the team hopes to turn their season around and prove that this blockbuster move was worth the gamble.
