FREE AGENCY THREAD (and Potential Trade Bait)
- Thread starter Dingleberry
- Start date
INDIANAPOLIS — With new leadership, the most cap space in the league and a high draft pick, the Patriots were generating more buzz than they have in years as the entire league descended upon Indianapolis.
With those assets and a ton of room for improvement, New England’s ability to be aggressive was drawing notice at this week’s NFL Combine.
Over the course of five days, MassLive spoke to more than two dozen coaches, agents, executives, and talent evaluators. There is a universal belief that Mike Vrabel and company will overhaul the roster in the coming months.
Whether it’s targeting an Eagles star in free agency or fortifying the trenches in the NFL Draft, the Patriots should look drastically different in 2025.
Here’s what MassLive has been hearing in Indy this week:
Mike Vrabel’s comments about the Patriots showing aggression in free agency wasn’t lip service. It’s been reinforced by sources around the league. Vrabel’s team is widely expected to hit free agency hard when the legal tampering window opens on March 10.
The Patriots plan to beef up the trenches, seeking both offensive and defensive linemen. A top target to monitor is Philadelphia defensive tackle Milton Williams, who is considered a good fit in Vrabel’s system. The 25-year-old finished with a career-high five sacks and 10 quarterback hits last fall. Given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Barmore’s health and Davon Godchaux’s future in Foxborough, Williams could bring stability and a championship pedigree to the middle of the defense.
Titans edge rusher Harold Landry is a natural Patriots target. Although his agent was given permission to seek a trade, there are some who believe Landry will ultimately be cut by Tennessee. If that happens, sources expect the Patriots to be involved. Landry was drafted by the Titans when Vrabel was the coach and could help a defense that finished dead last in the NFL in sacks.
The Patriots will also be dogged in attempting to fix their offensive line. They’ll look to upgrade both tackle spots this spring and add at least one guard. The top name to watch is left tackle Ronnie Stanley. If the Ravens Pro Bowler hits the open market, New England is expected to have serious interest. Talent evaluators aren’t as high on the second-tier options, such as Cam Robinson and Alaric Jackson. Baltimore guard Patrick Mekari, who has played every position on the offensive line, is also in the mix for New England.
The Patriots want to upgrade their pass catchers. They’d love to add a No. 1 receiver, but there’s skepticism that’ll happen this offseason.
In free agency the Patriots are viewed as Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin or bust, per a source with knowledge of their thinking. That’s looking like a bust at this point with both star wideouts expected to stay with their current teams.
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel isn’t viewed as a good fit in Josh McDaniels’ system, according to an industry source. If Seahawks wideout D.K. Metcalf is dealt, people around the league believe it’ll be to Las Vegas to reunite with Pete Carroll. At this time, the Patriots aren’t suitors for Rams veteran Cooper Kupp in the trade market.
“(No. 1 receivers are) just not walking around here,” Vrabel cracked at the Indiana Convention Center. “Let me know if they are. We’ll get them.”
While the Patriots had a clear target at the top of last spring’s NFL Draft, this time, everything is in play at No. 4 overall.
Abdul Carter’s foot fracture was one of the biggest storylines at the Combine, but the Patriots don’t think that will hurt the Penn State standout’s draft stock. They’re not expecting him to fall far enough.
Defensively, the Patriots believe the best cornerback in the draft is — Travis Hunter. Offensively, the Patriots believe the best wideout in the draft is — Travis Hunter. Whether the two-way Heisman winner is still on the board at No. 4 is a different question.
While LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell’s NFL position has been hotly debated, the Patriots see him as a tackle — arm measurements be damned. Campbell has fans in the organization, as does Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Both are possibilities at No. 4.
If New England finds a trade partner and moves down the board, keep an eye on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who is one of the safest bets in the first round.
The Patriots began pondering a move to Mike Vrabel long before his introductory press conference. Some in Vrabel’s circle knew a move to Foxborough was in play following New England’s ugly Week 15 loss at Arizona. From that moment on, staffers also noticed the Krafts had less of a presence around the team.
Still, coaches were blindsided by Adam Schefter’s report before the season finale that Jerod Mayo could be fired.
Drake Maye was very fond of his rookie coaches — Alex Van Pelt, T.C. McCartney and Jerod Mayo — but understands their departure is part of life in the NFL, according to a source who’d spoken to the quarterback.
Privately, he’s now excited to work with Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels. It’s early in the process, but Maye has been encouraged by “really good” conversations with his new coaches. Meanwhile, Van Pelt landed on Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles, while Mayo and McCartney haven’t resurfaced yet.
Robyn Glaser’s departure from Foxborough remained a hot topic in Indianapolis.
People within the walls at Gillette Stadium were wary of Glaser’s long-term aspirations due to a thirst for power. Prior to her resignation last month, Glaser was a controversial figure within the hierarchy. At least one respected member of the organization was alarmed by how she conducted her business.
The Patriots gave Davon Godchaux’s agent permission to seek a trade this week. So what might a return for the veteran defensive tackle look like?
Not a lot, according to a pair of executives in other front offices. One ballparked a fifth-round pick, while another believed Godchaux would only bring back a sixth or seventh-rounder. Both believed the 30-year-old’s age and a bloated contract would depress any trade value.
“It’s tough to get a decent pick and expect a team to take that contract,” an AFC exec said.
With Wes Welker parting ways with the Dolphins, conventional wisdom suggested he’d be a candidate for New England’s wide receivers coach opening.
The Patriots did interview their former All-Pro. Ultimately, they hired former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing, whose play-calling experience was valued by both Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.
After an offseason rife with extensions for internal free agents, that seems far less likely in 2025.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones is one of the lone candidates this time around. The 31-year-old would like to spend his entire career with the Patriots, but is cognizant that’ll require a pay cut. The two sides are expected to meet before free agency opens in March, per an industry source.
In New England, John “Stretch” Streicher has been given the title “VP of Football Operations and Strategy.” A coveted in-game strategist — Sean McVay said Streicher’s departure broke his heart — he’s naturally drawn comparisons to Ernie Adams.
The reality isn’t that simple.
His roles will vary depending on the day, and to use members of Patriots past, Streicher will really be a hybrid between Adams, Nick Caserio, and Berj Najarian. He’s a trusted advisor who will be involved in just about everything.
“Better sense of humor than Ernie Adams,” Mike Vrabel joked.
With those assets and a ton of room for improvement, New England’s ability to be aggressive was drawing notice at this week’s NFL Combine.
Over the course of five days, MassLive spoke to more than two dozen coaches, agents, executives, and talent evaluators. There is a universal belief that Mike Vrabel and company will overhaul the roster in the coming months.
Whether it’s targeting an Eagles star in free agency or fortifying the trenches in the NFL Draft, the Patriots should look drastically different in 2025.
Here’s what MassLive has been hearing in Indy this week:
Plan for free agency
Mike Vrabel’s comments about the Patriots showing aggression in free agency wasn’t lip service. It’s been reinforced by sources around the league. Vrabel’s team is widely expected to hit free agency hard when the legal tampering window opens on March 10.
The Patriots plan to beef up the trenches, seeking both offensive and defensive linemen. A top target to monitor is Philadelphia defensive tackle Milton Williams, who is considered a good fit in Vrabel’s system. The 25-year-old finished with a career-high five sacks and 10 quarterback hits last fall. Given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Barmore’s health and Davon Godchaux’s future in Foxborough, Williams could bring stability and a championship pedigree to the middle of the defense.
Titans edge rusher Harold Landry is a natural Patriots target. Although his agent was given permission to seek a trade, there are some who believe Landry will ultimately be cut by Tennessee. If that happens, sources expect the Patriots to be involved. Landry was drafted by the Titans when Vrabel was the coach and could help a defense that finished dead last in the NFL in sacks.
The Patriots will also be dogged in attempting to fix their offensive line. They’ll look to upgrade both tackle spots this spring and add at least one guard. The top name to watch is left tackle Ronnie Stanley. If the Ravens Pro Bowler hits the open market, New England is expected to have serious interest. Talent evaluators aren’t as high on the second-tier options, such as Cam Robinson and Alaric Jackson. Baltimore guard Patrick Mekari, who has played every position on the offensive line, is also in the mix for New England.
What to do about a No. 1 WR?
The Patriots want to upgrade their pass catchers. They’d love to add a No. 1 receiver, but there’s skepticism that’ll happen this offseason.
In free agency the Patriots are viewed as Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin or bust, per a source with knowledge of their thinking. That’s looking like a bust at this point with both star wideouts expected to stay with their current teams.
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel isn’t viewed as a good fit in Josh McDaniels’ system, according to an industry source. If Seahawks wideout D.K. Metcalf is dealt, people around the league believe it’ll be to Las Vegas to reunite with Pete Carroll. At this time, the Patriots aren’t suitors for Rams veteran Cooper Kupp in the trade market.
“(No. 1 receivers are) just not walking around here,” Vrabel cracked at the Indiana Convention Center. “Let me know if they are. We’ll get them.”
NFL Draft intel
While the Patriots had a clear target at the top of last spring’s NFL Draft, this time, everything is in play at No. 4 overall.
Abdul Carter’s foot fracture was one of the biggest storylines at the Combine, but the Patriots don’t think that will hurt the Penn State standout’s draft stock. They’re not expecting him to fall far enough.
Defensively, the Patriots believe the best cornerback in the draft is — Travis Hunter. Offensively, the Patriots believe the best wideout in the draft is — Travis Hunter. Whether the two-way Heisman winner is still on the board at No. 4 is a different question.
While LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell’s NFL position has been hotly debated, the Patriots see him as a tackle — arm measurements be damned. Campbell has fans in the organization, as does Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Both are possibilities at No. 4.
If New England finds a trade partner and moves down the board, keep an eye on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who is one of the safest bets in the first round.
An intriguing Vrabel timeline
The Patriots began pondering a move to Mike Vrabel long before his introductory press conference. Some in Vrabel’s circle knew a move to Foxborough was in play following New England’s ugly Week 15 loss at Arizona. From that moment on, staffers also noticed the Krafts had less of a presence around the team.
Still, coaches were blindsided by Adam Schefter’s report before the season finale that Jerod Mayo could be fired.
Where Drake Maye’s head is at
Drake Maye was very fond of his rookie coaches — Alex Van Pelt, T.C. McCartney and Jerod Mayo — but understands their departure is part of life in the NFL, according to a source who’d spoken to the quarterback.
Privately, he’s now excited to work with Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels. It’s early in the process, but Maye has been encouraged by “really good” conversations with his new coaches. Meanwhile, Van Pelt landed on Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles, while Mayo and McCartney haven’t resurfaced yet.
Goodbye Glaser
Robyn Glaser’s departure from Foxborough remained a hot topic in Indianapolis.
People within the walls at Gillette Stadium were wary of Glaser’s long-term aspirations due to a thirst for power. Prior to her resignation last month, Glaser was a controversial figure within the hierarchy. At least one respected member of the organization was alarmed by how she conducted her business.
What could Godchaux yield?
The Patriots gave Davon Godchaux’s agent permission to seek a trade this week. So what might a return for the veteran defensive tackle look like?
Not a lot, according to a pair of executives in other front offices. One ballparked a fifth-round pick, while another believed Godchaux would only bring back a sixth or seventh-rounder. Both believed the 30-year-old’s age and a bloated contract would depress any trade value.
“It’s tough to get a decent pick and expect a team to take that contract,” an AFC exec said.
A path the Patriots explored
With Wes Welker parting ways with the Dolphins, conventional wisdom suggested he’d be a candidate for New England’s wide receivers coach opening.
The Patriots did interview their former All-Pro. Ultimately, they hired former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing, whose play-calling experience was valued by both Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.
The cost of staying in Foxborough
After an offseason rife with extensions for internal free agents, that seems far less likely in 2025.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones is one of the lone candidates this time around. The 31-year-old would like to spend his entire career with the Patriots, but is cognizant that’ll require a pay cut. The two sides are expected to meet before free agency opens in March, per an industry source.
A new man of mystery?
In New England, John “Stretch” Streicher has been given the title “VP of Football Operations and Strategy.” A coveted in-game strategist — Sean McVay said Streicher’s departure broke his heart — he’s naturally drawn comparisons to Ernie Adams.
The reality isn’t that simple.
His roles will vary depending on the day, and to use members of Patriots past, Streicher will really be a hybrid between Adams, Nick Caserio, and Berj Najarian. He’s a trusted advisor who will be involved in just about everything.
“Better sense of humor than Ernie Adams,” Mike Vrabel joked.
The New England Patriots are expected to meet with veteran corner Jonathan Jones ahead of free agency. This meeting will be to potentially work out a contract extension, according to MassLive.com.
Jones has been open to change this offseason, particularly with Mike Vrabel coming on board as the new Patriots head coach. His return would prove beneficial to the team given his experience in the defensive backfield.
The two-time Super Bowl champion has contributed in the secondary since arriving as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2016. In 2024, the now 31-year-old corner recorded 58 tackles, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Here’s what Mass Live had to say about the meeting between Jones and the organization:
"Cornerback Jonathan Jones is one of the lone candidates this time around. The 31-year-old would like to spend his entire career with the Patriots, but is cognizant that’ll require a pay cut. The two sides are expected to meet before free agency opens in March, per an industry source."
Whether Jones sticks around or not, the Patriots need to start considering the future at cornerback. They could still be in the market to sign a free agent, swing a trade or potentially find a younger option in the NFL draft.
Jones has been open to change this offseason, particularly with Mike Vrabel coming on board as the new Patriots head coach. His return would prove beneficial to the team given his experience in the defensive backfield.
The two-time Super Bowl champion has contributed in the secondary since arriving as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2016. In 2024, the now 31-year-old corner recorded 58 tackles, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Here’s what Mass Live had to say about the meeting between Jones and the organization:
"Cornerback Jonathan Jones is one of the lone candidates this time around. The 31-year-old would like to spend his entire career with the Patriots, but is cognizant that’ll require a pay cut. The two sides are expected to meet before free agency opens in March, per an industry source."
Whether Jones sticks around or not, the Patriots need to start considering the future at cornerback. They could still be in the market to sign a free agent, swing a trade or potentially find a younger option in the NFL draft.
The New England Patriots have "kicked the tires" on a potential trade for Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, as reported by Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed.
Metcalf's name has been floated around as a potential trade candidate considering the Seahawks' poor salary cap situation. The two-time All-Pro receiver hauled in 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns last season.
There are limited options for the Patriots in free agency, especially if Cincinnati Bengals' pending free agent wideout Tee Higgins receives the franchise tag. That would leave Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin and a handful of questionable veterans that might be too overpriced for the Patriots.
Callahan and Kyed wrote:
"The front office has nonetheless kicked the tires on a potential trade for Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf, per source, while it weighs the ripple effects of making a player they’re not familiar with, like Metcalf, the new highest-paid player on the team."
Metcalf is a top receiving weapon in the NFL at only 27 years old. He would make for a solid pairing with quarterback Drake Maye, who desperately needs a dominant downfield option at wide receiver.
How the Patriots approach the wide receiver room will be worth monitoring. Metcalf is one of the big names who could be on the trade block this offseason, and landing him would be a huge get for a Patriots offense in need of a significant upgrade.
Metcalf's name has been floated around as a potential trade candidate considering the Seahawks' poor salary cap situation. The two-time All-Pro receiver hauled in 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns last season.
There are limited options for the Patriots in free agency, especially if Cincinnati Bengals' pending free agent wideout Tee Higgins receives the franchise tag. That would leave Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin and a handful of questionable veterans that might be too overpriced for the Patriots.
Callahan and Kyed wrote:
"The front office has nonetheless kicked the tires on a potential trade for Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf, per source, while it weighs the ripple effects of making a player they’re not familiar with, like Metcalf, the new highest-paid player on the team."
Metcalf is a top receiving weapon in the NFL at only 27 years old. He would make for a solid pairing with quarterback Drake Maye, who desperately needs a dominant downfield option at wide receiver.
How the Patriots approach the wide receiver room will be worth monitoring. Metcalf is one of the big names who could be on the trade block this offseason, and landing him would be a huge get for a Patriots offense in need of a significant upgrade.
The New England Patriots are expected to be one of the more aggressive teams in free agency this year, and four players in particular have been revealed as a priority for the organization.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams and Tennessee Titans edge rusher Harold Landry, along with Baltimore Ravens offensive linemen Ronnie Staley and Patrick Mekari have all been linked to the Patriots, according to MassLive.com.
Williams helped solidify the dominant Eagles pass rush that knocked off quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX. He recorded 21 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in 17 games last season.
Landry is an intriguing piece in particular. He has a connection with Mike Vrabel during their time together with the Titans. He is coming off a 2024 season that saw him record nine sacks in addition to 71 total tackles. He currently isn't a free agent, but he could be a trade piece due to his connection with Vrabel.
Staley is a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle and a former All-Pro player. He is thought to be one of the top free agent offensive linemen on the market in 2025. Meanwhile, Mekari is a versatile offensive lineman with experience playing at center, guard and tackle.
The expectations are for the Patriots to focus the bulk of their resources on improving in the trenches. All of the names mentioned in this report could help them do exactly that.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams and Tennessee Titans edge rusher Harold Landry, along with Baltimore Ravens offensive linemen Ronnie Staley and Patrick Mekari have all been linked to the Patriots, according to MassLive.com.
Williams helped solidify the dominant Eagles pass rush that knocked off quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX. He recorded 21 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in 17 games last season.
Landry is an intriguing piece in particular. He has a connection with Mike Vrabel during their time together with the Titans. He is coming off a 2024 season that saw him record nine sacks in addition to 71 total tackles. He currently isn't a free agent, but he could be a trade piece due to his connection with Vrabel.
Staley is a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle and a former All-Pro player. He is thought to be one of the top free agent offensive linemen on the market in 2025. Meanwhile, Mekari is a versatile offensive lineman with experience playing at center, guard and tackle.
The expectations are for the Patriots to focus the bulk of their resources on improving in the trenches. All of the names mentioned in this report could help them do exactly that.
ItsGonnaBeMaye
Well-known member
It will be interesting to see how many free agents are smart enough to realize that we are winning the Super Bowl next season, with many more Lombardi trophies to come over the next two decades, and how many of them take a discount to come be a part of this.
Most of these free agents are black, however, so I will not get my hopes up about their level of intelligence.
Most of these free agents are black, however, so I will not get my hopes up about their level of intelligence.
Some were surprised when the news broke that the New England Patriots had granted veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade. Why would a team that struggled in the trenches and lost its top defensive tackle, Christian Barmore, during the season consider moving on from a key starter?
Per Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed, Godchaux isn't viewed as a scheme fit for the defense the Patriots plan to run under coach Mike Vrabel. The team was also reportedly "not enthralled with his leadership" last season, including some of his post-game comments.
Callahan and Kyed wrote:
"Godchaux, 30, is not seen as a scheme fit in Vrabel’s new defensive system. Team brass was also not enthralled with his leadership last year, including comments he made to the media following games that rankled staff members. If the Patriots find a trade partner, Godchaux is expected to fetch a late-round pick."
There are a plethora of options for the Patriots along the defensive front through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. It will be a great opportunity for Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to rebuild in the trenches the way they see fit.
Barmore is currently working out in Tampa for a chance to get back onto the field next season. When healthy, he has proven to be one of the best defensive linemen in the league. Yet, given the seriousness of his condition (blood clots), the Patriots can't count on him coming back.
They have to be ready to pivot if he's unable to suit up in 2025. It's still a long way to go between now and the start of next season, but the future is up in the air on both of the team's starting defensive tackles.
Per Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed, Godchaux isn't viewed as a scheme fit for the defense the Patriots plan to run under coach Mike Vrabel. The team was also reportedly "not enthralled with his leadership" last season, including some of his post-game comments.
Callahan and Kyed wrote:
"Godchaux, 30, is not seen as a scheme fit in Vrabel’s new defensive system. Team brass was also not enthralled with his leadership last year, including comments he made to the media following games that rankled staff members. If the Patriots find a trade partner, Godchaux is expected to fetch a late-round pick."
There are a plethora of options for the Patriots along the defensive front through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. It will be a great opportunity for Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to rebuild in the trenches the way they see fit.
Barmore is currently working out in Tampa for a chance to get back onto the field next season. When healthy, he has proven to be one of the best defensive linemen in the league. Yet, given the seriousness of his condition (blood clots), the Patriots can't count on him coming back.
They have to be ready to pivot if he's unable to suit up in 2025. It's still a long way to go between now and the start of next season, but the future is up in the air on both of the team's starting defensive tackles.
Nothing phenomenal about those 2 lol
Some thoughts on stuff posted on this page.
If the Pats landed Milton Williams, Landry and Stanley in free agency I'd be super happy.. Hell of a start.
DK would be great but he reportedly doesn't want to come here. My guess is he stays in Seattle.
Ayiuk.. IDK depends on the compensation, same with Godwin. I like both players, I don't like signing guys who just blew a knee out. Plus neither is really a #1. That said, I will not complain too much if either ends up on our team.
Tyler Warren would be a great pick after a trade down. Probably a luxury pick at a position that isn't our greatest need, but does need another body. He's a stud though, and you have that position locked up for a while.
Pick #4 IMO is off limits as compensation for a player via trade. Unless that player is Justin Jefferson or Ja'marr Chase. Which we all know is not going to happen.
If the Pats landed Milton Williams, Landry and Stanley in free agency I'd be super happy.. Hell of a start.
DK would be great but he reportedly doesn't want to come here. My guess is he stays in Seattle.
Ayiuk.. IDK depends on the compensation, same with Godwin. I like both players, I don't like signing guys who just blew a knee out. Plus neither is really a #1. That said, I will not complain too much if either ends up on our team.
Tyler Warren would be a great pick after a trade down. Probably a luxury pick at a position that isn't our greatest need, but does need another body. He's a stud though, and you have that position locked up for a while.
Pick #4 IMO is off limits as compensation for a player via trade. Unless that player is Justin Jefferson or Ja'marr Chase. Which we all know is not going to happen.
The New York Jets are reportedly moving on from Davante Adams.
The star wide receiver reunited with former Green Bay Packers teamamte Aaron Rodgers in NY in 2024, but the pairing didn’t do much to boost the team’s playoff hopes, and it appears they’re set for an overhaul as they’re parting ways with both players.
According to SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline, the Jets will release Adams before free agency starts next week, despite receiving calls from other teams asking to trade for him.
This hardly comes as a surprise, as the team was expected to move on from Adams as soon as they announced they were done with Rodgers.
The former Packers and Las Vegas Raiders star played 11 games for the Jets, making 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns. The numbers, while decent, fell below the standard Adams set for himself.
Davante Adams (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Trading Adams would have probably been more costly for New York. He is owed $72 million over the next two years, and a trade partner would have likely wanted the Jets to pick up some of that while offering little in return.
So, they’re releasing him instead.
A pre-June 1 cut saves the team $29.9 million against the cap with $8.4 million in dead money, while a post-June 1 cut will allow them to allocate $6.3 million of that dead money into next year, which would result in $36.2 million in savings and a dead cap hit of $2.1 million.
It definitely makes more sense to let him hit free agency.
The star wide receiver reunited with former Green Bay Packers teamamte Aaron Rodgers in NY in 2024, but the pairing didn’t do much to boost the team’s playoff hopes, and it appears they’re set for an overhaul as they’re parting ways with both players.
According to SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline, the Jets will release Adams before free agency starts next week, despite receiving calls from other teams asking to trade for him.
This hardly comes as a surprise, as the team was expected to move on from Adams as soon as they announced they were done with Rodgers.
The former Packers and Las Vegas Raiders star played 11 games for the Jets, making 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns. The numbers, while decent, fell below the standard Adams set for himself.
Why The Jets Are Reportedly Cutting Davante Adams Instead Of Trading Him
Trading Adams would have probably been more costly for New York. He is owed $72 million over the next two years, and a trade partner would have likely wanted the Jets to pick up some of that while offering little in return.
So, they’re releasing him instead.
A pre-June 1 cut saves the team $29.9 million against the cap with $8.4 million in dead money, while a post-June 1 cut will allow them to allocate $6.3 million of that dead money into next year, which would result in $36.2 million in savings and a dead cap hit of $2.1 million.
It definitely makes more sense to let him hit free agency.
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