The New York Jets need a legitimate second wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson in 2024 to provide depth for quarterback Aaron Rodgers — so much so that it’s becoming as important a priority as addressing the unreliable offensive line.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini only drove that point home further in a report on Sunday after Allen Lazard’s disappointing debut campaign with Gang Green (23 receptions, 311 yards, one touchdown.”
“The Jets are hoping to make a significant addition at receiver through trade, free agency or the draft, which would drop Lazard on the depth chart,” Cimini wrote. “Ultimately, that may benefit him because he doesn’t seem cut out for WR2.”
Since the arrival of Rodgers last year, the Jets had constantly been linked to one of his favorite targets with the Green Bay Packers in Las Vegas Raiders pass-catcher Davante Adams, who expressed frustration when he wasn’t getting targeted enough during the early portions of the 2023 season under former head coach, Josh McDaniels.
Considering there is a potential opt-out in his deal following the 2024 season, an unhappy receiver normally can find a way to force a trade.
But the Jets checked in on Adams’ availability multiple times before the NFL’s Oct. 31 deadline only to be told he wasn’t available.
The Raiders fired McDaniels and promoted Antonio Pierce, leading the AFC West side to a 5-4 record after a dysfunctional 3-5 start to the season. Las Vegas removed Pierce’s interim tag over the weekend, who had a notable fan in Adams.
“It’s obviously who I wanted and that’s my vote, and I’ve been vocal about that,” Adams said earlier this month. “That’s basically how the whole locker room feels and with good reason. He’s come in and done a great job. He’s continued to win us over. It’s not just the comfortable thing. I think having AP here will be good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider.
“That mentality, that swag and all the things he endorses are the things that I believe in. It’s easy for a guy like me, especially having dealt with him a little bit this year now and gotten to know him and see his evolution in front of the team.”
With the guy he wants patrolling the sidelines, Adams’ prospects of forcing a trade out of Vegas drop significantly — almost to zero — meaning the Jets will have to pivot.
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