Newest Jets star hoping to remain with team beyond 2024

In 2022, he left the Packers to catch passes from his former college quarterback, Derek Carr, in Las Vegas. The reunion was short-lived; Carr was ultimately cut and signed with the Saints in 2023, planting the seeds of Adams’ discontent with the Raiders that flowered into a full-blown trade request a few weeks ago.

Now, he’s a Jet, back with Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP’s most decorated receiver from his Packers days is now hopeful that his relationship with the team lasts beyond this season.

“That’s the plan,” Adams said regarding a post-2024 Jets future, via Around The NFL’s Nick Shook. “I never go somewhere in hopes of having to find a new home.”

The star receiver also confirmed that he picked his trade destination, saying he “essentially” told the Raiders that he wanted to end up in New York. The Saints and Steelers pursued the 11th-year receiver, with the Bills monitoring the situation. Buffalo ended up with Amari Cooper, while New Orleans and Pittsburgh are still looking for receiver help.

Adams has two years remaining on his contract, though the Jets restructured his deal and added two void years to lower his 2024 cap hit. That will make it harder for the Jets to jettison Adams down the road. The All-Pro wideout would cost the team $38.3M against the salary cap in 2025 and 2026, though his $35.6M (2025) and $36.6M (2026) base salaries are not guaranteed. New York can afford him, but the whole team’s future is uncertain after a 2-4 start this season.

The Jets already fired head coach Robert Saleh, with the contract of general manager Joe Douglas expiring after this season. Another failed season could inspire owner Woody Johnson to make even more leadership changes. The most unpredictable factor might be the mercurial Rodgers, who was the main driver behind Adams’ desire to get to New York. But Rodgers has openly mulled retirement multiple times in recent years; if he were to hang it up, Adams may not want to remain a Jet much longer.

Adams and the Jets agreed to discuss his future in New York after the 2024 season, where both sides will have much more information about their relative plans. That will make for an interesting component regarding Rodgers’ New York future as well. First, the Jets will need to orchestrate the turnaround they are hoping the Rodgers-Adams connection can produce.