Grading latest blockbuster NFL trades, including Davante Adams to Jets and Amari Cooper to Bills

Despite falling to 2-4 after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, the New York Jets decided that they’re still all in. The Jets acquired Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams in a move that was anticipated by many for as long as a year. Now, Adams gets to play with his former teammate, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who helped Adams make a name for himself with the Green Bay Packers from 2014-2021.

What’s the compensation? The Jets traded a third-round pick, with the condition that it could turn into a second-round pick if Adams is either named All-Pro or is on the active roster for an AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl.

How much will Adams cost? The Jets will absorb $11.26 million in 2024, $36.25 million in 2025 and $36.25 million in 2026. It’s likely New York will adjust Adams’ contract after the 2024 season due to those hefty numbers in the final two years.

Analysis on the Jets’ side: Was the Jets’ biggest problem really the wide receiver position? A receiver trio of Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Mike Williams is probably one that several QBs in the NFL would love to have. Instead, their biggest issues are probably, I don’t know, the fact that they’re 2-4, just fired their head coach, and are overall a disorganized mess. While Adams is an upgrade, the Jets also got older while losing important draft picks. But, hey, they’re in win-now mode, so I get it. I’m just not sure they’re good enough to win now. Grade: C

Analysis on the Raiders’ side: Trading Adams was the correct move for the Raiders. The problem is they did it a year too late. It was clear Adams was frustrated last season, and the Raiders were definitely not going to compete then or now. The Raiders might’ve gotten better compensation if they would have traded him earlier, but instead they’re getting just a second-rounder at best for someone they traded a first- and second-rounder to acquire. Still, the Raiders deserve some credit for ultimately making the right move, getting the soon-to-be 32-year-old WR off the books and starting anew. Grade: C

Amari Cooper trade: Grades for Bills and Browns

Buffalo is in win-now mode as well, which is why the Bills traded for Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper. The 30-year-old wideout will now play for his fourth team and hopes to prove he has plenty of juice left as he tries for his first Super Bowl.

What’s the compensation? The Browns sent over Cooper and a 2025 sixth-rounder, while the Bills sent a 2025 third-rounder and 2026 seventh-rounder. Essentially, the Bills traded a third-rounder and completed a late-round pick swap.

How much will Cooper cost? The Bills will owe Cooper just short of $800,000 in 2024, an extremely manageable salary for the WR-needy team. The Bills could also owe him a couple million more in incentives if hit, which, again, would be well worth it for Buffalo. In 2025, Cooper is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Meanwhile, the Browns are still on the hook for $22 million in dead money owed to Cooper in 2025.

Analysis on the Bills’ side: This was a no-brainer. The Bills needed another talented pass-catcher to complement Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel, who are all good but not No. 1 wideouts. Adding Cooper will provide so much relief for QB Josh Allen who has constantly been forced to put the offense on his back in dire situations. The third-round price was a tad steep for a 30-year-old WR, but the rental will be well worth it if it helps push Buffalo to the Super Bowl. Grade: A

Analysis on the Browns’ side: This was a necessary move for the Browns who are not competing at 1-5 and simply need draft picks to recover from the lack of picks over the last few years due to the awful Deshaun Watson trade. The only thing that brings their grade down a bit is having to eat over $20 million in dead cap. That was unavoidable, though, so this was still a good move. Grade: B

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