Aaron Rodgers on Jets possibly acquiring Davante Adams: 'He's a great guy and a great player and the rest is out of my hands'

Earlier this week, star wide receiver Davante Adams informed the Raiders he preferred to be traded.

Many in NFL circles immediately considered the Jets a potential landing spot for the six-time Pro Bowler.

However, nothing is imminent regarding Adams being moved because he has a hamstring injury and could be out for at least a week, if not longer. But the Jets and the Saints are reportedly high on Adams’ wish list of places to land if he’s moved, according to ESPN.

On Friday, during his press conference in London ahead of the Jets’ game against the Vikings on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers was asked to comment on Adams possibly landing with the Jets.

“I don’t know how much I can say about it,” Rodgers said. “There’s tampering, but I still have a close friendship with him. We spend time in the offseason together.

“He’s a great guy and a great player and the rest is out of my hands.”

The Raiders are seeking at least a second-round pick and possibly other compensation to move Adams, per ESPN. If so, the Jets have the assets to make a trade work by the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

Gang Green has a 2025 second-round pick and two third-round picks, one of which was obtained in April when the team sent Detroit a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The Jets also have Haason Reddick, who continues to hold out and has requested a trade as he continues to be unhappy with his contract situation.

“It could,” Jets left guard John Simpson told the Daily News when asked if a player like Adams could help the team’s offense. “We have great receivers, but that’s above my pay grade.”

Adams, 31, was acquired in a trade with the Raiders in 2022 for first- and second-round draft picks. He wanted to head to Las Vegas to be closer to California, where he grew up, and to team up with Derek Carr, with whom he played in college at Fresno State. However, the two played together for only one year after the Raiders released Carr following the 2022 season.

Adams played the first eight seasons with Rodgers in Green Bay. Adams made five Pro Bowls and was a two-time first-team All-Pro selection during that span.

Since Rodgers was traded to the Jets in April of 2023, he has flirted with the possibility of playing with Adams again. At the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in July, Rodgers told reporters, “I love Davante Adams. I can’t wait to play with him … again.”

The Jets have also been interested in acquiring Adams in a trade. Before last year’s trade deadline, the Jets inquired about Adams’ availability with the Raiders. However, the Raiders were not interested in moving Adams, but now that has changed.

Adams will make $17.5 million, with $13.5 million still owed through the end of the season. He is under contract and is scheduled to make $36.25 million in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, but he is not owed any more guaranteed money after 2024.

Whoever trades for Adams would likely need him to agree to a restructured contract. The Jets have $16.8 million in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap.

Jets coach Robert Saleh hasn’t directly addressed acquiring Adams because of NFL tampering rules. But he did say the Jets are always looking to improve the roster and that Saleh is happy with the receivers currently on the roster.

Gang Green could use a jumpstart offensively. Garrett Wilson hasn’t had the production many expected with Rodgers’ return from an Achilles injury. Wilson has 20 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown in four games.

The Jets also have receivers Allen Lazard and Mike Williams on the roster. Williams signed a one-year contract during the offseason despite his ACL tear early last season. Although his snaps have increased weekly, Williams has just eight catches for 120 yards.