Davante Adams landing spots: Chargers, 49ers among best fits if Jets trade WR

Posted by author February 10, 2025 NFL

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The Adams family might be moving out of Mister Rodgers’ neighborhood.

After forcing his way out of Vegas, Davante Adams successfully made the trek to northern New Jersey, reuniting with his best pal, Aaron Rodgers.

It was nothing short of a disaster for all parties involved, as the Jets couldn’t save a season doomed from the start. Instead the arrangement became nothing more than a distraction at times, which seemingly drove a wedge into the locker room – notably frustrating Garrett Wilson.

While the Raiders were on a collision course for the No. 1 pick in the draft at the time, they managed to string some wins together and finished with the No. 6 pick. As for the Jets, the Adams trade was good enough to land them at No. 7, an indication of how poorly it unfolded for Gang Green in 2024.

Now with Rodgers seemingly on the outs, Adams looks likely to follow him out the door. Reportedly looking to head back west, here’s a look at the teams that could look to acquire the star receiver.

The Chargers are not only the most likely landing spot, but they are also arguably the best one if Adams heads back west. With a glaring need at receiver, Jim Harbaugh’s team could find the perfect weapon with the veteran. They play in an area that Adams prefers, have a team ready to compete with a capable quarterback and the ability to make it happen.

Adams could form a formidable duo with Ladd McConkey, who will look to build off a standout rookie season. The Chargers’ offense fell apart in the wild-card round, signaling the clear need for more weapons. McConkey hauled in nine catches for 197 yards and a touchdown in the game. The team’s second leading receiver was Will Dissly, who finished with 16 yards. L.A.’s passing attack was a problem in the first year without Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Expect Harbaugh to make sure that won’t be an issue in year two.

Bo Nix made clear strides in his rookie season before running into a much more talented Buffalo Bills squad in the wild-card round. Denver’s lack of a running game was on full display, but they also were without a major threat at receiver. Courtland Sutton’s drop in that game loomed large, derailing what was a promising first half drive. The remaining cast of characters – Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele – highlighted the need for upgrades.

The Broncos‘ defense continued to impress and should remain a solid unit in 2025. Now it’s time to add to the offense and support Nix. Acquiring Adams would be a great way to do that.

A return to Vegas would be the most wild outcome, but it can’t be ruled out. For what it’s worth, Adams also didn’t rule out the possibility during an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show in January. While it’s unlikely the receiver heads back to the desert on his own, there is a world where Rodgers ends up in the silver-and-black. If new head coach Pete Carroll is looking to make an immediate impact with his new squad, acquiring Rodgers and Adams would be a good start.

Stealing headlines and selling tickets might not win football games, but the duo would add some relevancy to an increasingly irrelevant Raiders team mired in NFL purgatory. They are likely out of range for a top quarterback in a draft class that’s especially weak at the position, meaning a one-year experiment might not be the worst thing in the world. At the very least, it could ensure the Raiders don’t suffer through another boring, miserable season to start the Carroll era.

Adams, who is from Palo Alto, California, could have a homecoming of sorts if the 49ers swoop in and swing a deal for him. Deebo Samuel requested a trade in his exit interview and has been given permission by the team to seek a trade. San Francisco could then be in the market for a receiver to replace him and Adams would be an upgrade given Samuel’s recent history.

Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a knee injury, making him an unknown after a less-than-stellar season last year following a contract dispute. Jauan Jennings experienced a meteoric rise, but it leaves Ricky Pearsall as the only other known quantity. The Niners are trying to keep their championship window pried open. Adding someone like Adams, who clearly has plenty left in the tank, would be a worthwhile risk during a critical offseason.

Much like their NFC West counterparts, the Rams could be moving on from a mainstay in their lineup. As Samuel’s exit from San Francisco looms, so does the potential departure of Cooper Kupp from the City of Angels. The 31-year-old has taken a back seat to Puka Nacua, who has effectively replaced Kupp, who has also seen his play fall off. No longer at the height of his powers, L.A. told the receiver they would be seeking a trade and moving on.

Carrying a cap hit of around $29.78 million, the Rams will need someone to pose a threat opposite Nacua. Just like the Chargers, the Rams play in an area that’s desirable for Adams. General manager Les Snead has never been shy about acquiring stars and considering the Rams came the closest to knocking off the Eagles this postseason, expect the Rams to load up this offseason.