Davante Adams Trade: A Risky Proposition for the Jets' Ambitions
ICARO Media Group
**Davante Adams Joins the Jets, but Will He Make a Difference?**
The New York Jets have made headlines by acquiring star wide receiver Davante Adams, but the question remains: how much will this move actually benefit the struggling team? Despite the national media's prediction that the Jets would be Super Bowl contenders this season, their performance so far tells a different story. With a 2-4 record six weeks into the season, the Jets are far from living up to the offseason hype.
The Jets' statistics don't paint an optimistic picture either. They rank 14th in point differential, 21st in DVOA, and 14th in Pro Football Reference’s SRS metric. Their schedule hasn't been particularly challenging, with opponents holding a combined winning percentage of .500. Out of the six games played, the Jets have only managed to win one by multiple scores. One could argue that the team has been somewhat unlucky, with a 1-3 record in closely contested games, but it’s clear they are not performing at the level expected.
The team’s quarterback situation isn't helping their case. Aaron Rodgers, while having a few good games, seems to be showing his age. Currently, Rodgers is 25th in yards per attempt, 22nd in QBR, and 26th in passer rating. For the Jets to have traded a day two pick for Adams, a receiver nearing 32 years old, they must have had high hopes that he would significantly elevate their game. However, this sort of gamble usually pays off when the team is already one of the top contenders, which the Jets are not.
Adding to the uncertainty, history shows that wide receivers over 32 rarely maintain elite performance levels. For Adams to remain a transformative player, he would need to defy the usual aging curve significantly. His production already saw a notable decline last year, dropping from 1,516 yards in 2022 to 1,144 yards in 2023. This decline suggests that simply adding Adams to the roster is not a guaranteed fix for the Jets’ offensive woes.
Moreover, the Jets seem to undervalue their Draft picks, an issue that has plagued them for years. Consistent winners in the NFL draft well, and that requires having sufficient picks. The Jets have traded away many valuable picks, including those needed to build a robust, cost-effective roster. In recent years, they missed out on selecting players in crucial rounds and have not successfully replenished their stocks.
The trade for Adams now presents the Jets with unappealing future scenarios. With a projected $35.6 million salary for 2025, the Jets can cut Adams (losing their third-round pick investment), keep him at an enormous cap hit, or negotiate an extension that likely guarantees him multiple seasons. None of these options are especially favorable.
Yet, despite the skepticism, Adams could still provide some on-field advantages. His ability to get quick separation can be crucial, especially considering Rodgers’ current play style, which necessitates swift distribution of the ball. Furthermore, Adams' existing chemistry with Rodgers could help execute plays more effectively.
In conclusion, while Adams' arrival brings some potential benefits, it’s unlikely to be the panacea the Jets need. The team must address multiple underlying issues before they can hope to become true contenders.