NFL Analysis
10/6/24
5 min read
A Davante Adams Trade Won't Save New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers' Season
Even if the New York Jets trade for Davante Adams, it won't save their 2024 season.
After a disappointing 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Jets are now 2-3 and looking for answers on offense. Aaron Rodgers had his worst game of the season, completing 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Jets have been linked to a potential Adams trade since the Las Vegas Raiders superstar requested a trade. It would be a reunion between Adams and Rodgers, who became one of the NFL's most unstoppable QB-WR duos during their time with the Green Bay Packers.
That connection could provide a spark for the Jets, but for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, it's a move that might actually hurt more than it helps.
>> READ MORE: 3 Trade Destinations for Davante Adams
Adams Contract IS a Problem
Even if Rodgers would love to reunite with his favorite receiver, the long-term financial implications would be a major problem for the Jets.
Adams is in the middle of a four-year, $140 million extension that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. The Jets could handle Adams' cap hit in 2023, but he'd count for $44.1 million against the cap in 2025 and 2026.
The Jets have approximately $88.6 million in cap space for 2025, but a trade for Adams would soak up essentially half of their available cap. Meanwhile, the Jets have 22 players on their roster set to hit free agency in 2025. That includes key starters like D.J. Reed, Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, Tyler Conklin, and Chuck Clark.
Even if Adams wants to go to New York, the Jets have so many other upcoming needs in 2025. Beyond that, his cap hit would make it difficult for them to reload for another season or two as a potential AFC contender.
Receivers Aren't the Problem
The Jets offense has real issues. But it's not because of a lack of weapons.
The Jets' inconsistent running game is one of their bigger problems. Heading into the London game, the Jets had the 26th-ranked rushing offense by DVOA, according to FTN Fantasy.
Breece Hall and Braelon Allen look like a promising running back tandem, but the Jets have struggled to generate push at the line of scrimmage. According to TruMedia, the Jets ranked last with just 0.46 yards generated before contact per carry while ranking 11th with 3.08 yards after contact.
It was the same issue in Sunday's game against the Vikings. The Jets ran the ball 14 times for just 36 yards, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry.
New York's struggles in the running game have dramatically hurt Rodgers' ability to be effective on play-action passes.
According to the Ringer's Steven Ruiz, the the Jets are the only team in the NFL without an explosive play off play-action this season.
Rodgers has historically dominated off of play-action. He's had a passer rating of more than 90.0 off of play-action in every season after 2015. That hasn't been the case in 2024, where Rodgers has a 60.9 passer rating on 40 dropbacks, completing 23-of-40 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The Jets are also having trouble keeping Rodgers upright. He's been sacked 13 times through five games and appeared to suffer a lower-body injury that limited his mobility for the remainder of Sunday's game.
Aaron Rodgers -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 6, 2024
Left knee got twisted up under the defender. Concern for MCL sprain, and his ankle did get pinned underneath too.
Looked concerning, but he’s back out there right now. pic.twitter.com/DhL8I8ExeS
Rodgers came right back in after the injury but visibly looked hobbled throughout the rest of the contest. He's not the same kind of athlete at 40 years old, and the wear and tear of hits like this one will continue to pile up as he keeps playing.
A disappointing running game, nonexistent play-action attack, and an offensive line that is struggling to help keep the pressure off of Rodgers are all hurting the Jets offense. A wide receiver isn't fixing any of that, even one as talented as Adams.
New York Already Has a Star WR
Trading for Adams would limit Garrett Wilson's workload. He needs the opportunity to prove that he can be a true No. 1 receiver in this offense with Rodgers under center.
Even without Rodgers, Wilson has looked like one of the best young receivers in the NFL. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, and he's already logged back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 yards.
Wilson has had to wait patiently to become the top target for Rodgers, and he looked every bit like that No. 1 option on Sunday. He was targeted a career-high 22 times, catching 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Rodgers is notorious for force-feeding receivers that he trusts. That was the case for Allen Lazard on Sunday as well, who was targeted 10 times.
Adams is an established superstar, but his connection with Rodgers could keep Wilson from reaching his full potential.
