NFL Analysis
3/5/25
6 min read
2025 NFL Free Agency: 5 Best Fits For New York Jets WR Davante Adams
One of the best receivers of the last decade, Davante Adams, is on the open market.
The New York Jets released Adams ahead of free agency, clearing more than $20 million in cap space. Although reports had suggested that the Jets would field trade offers, new general manager Darren Mougey quickly decided to cut ties to give his team financial flexibility before the start of free agency.
Now, Adams hits the open market as one of the most coveted options at the position, especially with Tee Higgins franchise tagged in Cincinnati. While Adams is 32 years old and nearing the end of his career, he still caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
Plenty of teams will be contacting Adams, but let's take a look at five landing spots that make the most sense from both a need and financial standpoint.
All cap space numbers are provided by Over the Cap.
Davante Adams Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers 
Multiple reports have come out suggesting that Adams would prefer to go back out to the West Coast in 2025, making a team like the Los Angeles Chargers the most likely landing spot for the star receiver.
Jim Harbaugh took a solid step in turning the Chargers around in his first year as head coach. However, the team still severely lacks talent at wide receiver, with rookie Ladd McConkey looking like the only viable long-term answer in the slot.
Quentin Johnston continues to struggle with drops, while four other outside receivers are free agents. The Chargers have plenty of cap space to work with ($65 million) to add another outside receiver, and one on a fairly sizable short-term deal like Adams could make a lot of sense.
New England Patriots
If Adams is willing to budge on moving back out West, then the New England Patriots will likely be doing whatever it takes to bring the 32-year-old receiver into the building.
Drake Maye had a strong rookie season despite playing behind a putrid offensive line while throwing to inexperienced and unproven receivers. Things were so bad that no receiver averaged more than 1.40 yards per route run, and only three receivers had over 1.00 YPRR.
Adams thrives on getting open and creating separation. That's the exact kind of weapon that Maye needs when things are chaotic around him, giving the young quarterback a reliable receiver to settle him down.
If there is a bidding war for Adams' services, the Patriots can outbid anyone with their league-leading $127 million in cap space.
Los Angeles Rams
It's likely that both Los Angeles teams will be calling Adams' agent to gauge his interest.
The Los Angeles Rams are in a bit of a weird spot compared to other teams. They have the talent and an aging veteran quarterback to compete for a Super Bowl, but also have a young core of players to start building around for the future.
General manager Les Snead seems to keep toeing the line between both situations. While the Rams are actively shopping Cooper Kupp, they also reworked Matthew Stafford's deal to keep him in LA. Regardless of his long-term plans, the Rams still need another reliable target besides Puka Nacua.
Adams could be that short-term bridge option to pair with Nacua. They have the cap space with $51 million to shell out some money to free agents, and a player like Adams, with his ability to beat man coverage, could open up a lot of the passing game.
San Francisco 49ers
It's a changing of the guard in San Francisco, and the 49ers don't look like they're done yet.
After trading away Deebo Samuel to Washington, the 49ers are reportedly also actively shopping Brandon Aiyuk. The financial implications of that trade could be brutal, but if they go through with it, the 49ers will be left with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as their top options.
There are a lot of upcoming contract situations the 49ers will have to deal with, most notably with Brock Purdy. The former Mr. Irrelevant at quarterback has been playing on one of the cheapest deals in the NFL and will suddenly be making near top-of-market money in the coming years.
Adams wouldn't be able to seek a hefty deal by going to San Francisco with their other ongoing contract situations. However, if he's willing to compromise for a chance to play in Kyle Shanahan's offense, then the two sides could have a mutual interest in giving Purdy another top weapon.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers fans are hounding Adams to come back home.
Adams was drafted by the Packers in 2014, and while it took a couple of seasons, he eventually blossomed into the best receiver in the league. Before being traded to Las Vegas, he was a two-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, dominating the competition with Aaron Rodgers throwing to him.
Years after his departure, things have changed for both sides. Adams is now 32 years old and seeking one last shot at dominance for a contender, while the Packers have a new quarterback in Jordan Love and a clear need for an established No. 1 target.
Adams has consistently teased Packers fans with social media posts, and the Packers have the cap space to bring him back. If there's interest between the two sides, and they can find common ground, Adams' homecoming is more of a reality than the rest of the league might think.
