Davante Adams was officially released by the New York Jets on Tuesday, opening the door for the former All-Pro to join the LA Chargers and bolster the passing offense.
The Chargers need to add another wideout alongside Ladd McConkey and there aren't many receivers who fit as well next to the second-year standout for the price. While Adams won't be a bargain signing, he may not get top-market dollar after being released with no trade interest.
Los Angeles appears to be the best landing spot for Adams on paper but there is just one hang-up: Aaron Rodgers. Adams has played with Rodgers twice in his career now and may look to follow his quarterback wherever he ends up this offseason.
However, that may not be as big of a priority as fans would think. NFL insider Ian Rapoport relayed this reality, indicating that Adams' desire to play on the West Coast is a very real thing.
While the assumption has been that Davante Adams wants to play with Aaron Rodgers (and historically, that's been the plan), my understanding is the pull of being on the West Coast is very real. https://t.co/FpUrl43vPh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2025
Davante Adams update is great news for Chargers
This doesn't rule out another reunion for Adams and Rodgers but it does increase the chances of him joining the Chargers. If Adams is prioritizing playing in California above all else, and the Chargers offer him a fair-market contract, then the deal might be as good as done.
This all comes down to how much the Chargers value Adams and how much they are willing to spend. The other teams in California are not in the position to spend on a wideout and do not have as many resources. It is up to the Chargers if they want to commit the necessary salary to lure Adams.
Based on Adams' reported priority, it may just take the Chargers matching whatever Rodgers' new team offers him; that's assuming Rodgers even finds a new team and that the new team would want to bring Adams with him.
There is not a concrete landing spot for Rodgers at this point in time. There has been some speculation around Rodgers joining the Raiders, with Maxx Crosby even getting behind the move. Rodgers joining the Raiders is far from a guarantee, and even if it does happen, there may not be interest between Adams and his former team.
Adams' desire to play in California is not smoke. If it was, Rapoport wouldn't have made it a point to reiterate the interest in conjunction with any potential Rodgers rumors.
Davante Adams could be the Chargers' for the taking if the Bolts want to sign him. Based on what the Chargers need, there should be real interest.