Los Angeles Chargers To Sign Davante Adams If Released By New York Jets?

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams might be on the move, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams reportedly interest Adams. Will the Chargers pair Adams with former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert?
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The future of wide receiver Davante Adams with the New York Jets is unclear because of Adams' contract. With Adams set to earn $35 million with a $38.3 million cap hit in 2025, the Jets are reportedly considering releasing the star wide receiver.

If Adams is released, will the Los Angeles Chargers attempt to sign Adams and give former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon on offense?

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) warms up before playing against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) warms up before playing against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Adams would be interested in the Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers as Adams, a native of East Palo Alto, California, looks to move closer to home.

"The Jets must address the future of receiver Davante Adams, whose $38.3 million cap hit is untenable. A source told me Adams is intrigued by a return to the West Coast and would be open to potentially joining teams such as the Rams or Chargers -- if he gets released. I would put the 49ers in the conversation, too," wrote Fowler.

The Chargers make sense as a destination for Adams if Los Angeles is looking to add a veteran receiver to play with wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The lack of pass catchers for Herbert to throw to became a topic of conversation throughout the 2024 season, and any offense would want to add a player of Adams' caliber.

MORE: Oregon Ducks 5-Star Commit Kendre Harrison Shuts Down 'Overrated' Chants

MORE: What Marcus Mariota Said About Supporting Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels

MORE: Oregon Ducks Receiver Tez Johnson: NFL Draft 'Biggest Riser'?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Pushing to Flip Ohio State Buckeyes 5-Star Commit Chris Henry Jr.

As for the Los Angeles Rams, the future is more unclear at wide receiver after Cooper Kupp announced that the team is trying to trade him in the offseason. Additionally, the Rams are reportedly beginning to prepare for a future without quarterback Matthew Stafford.

"I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA," wrote Kupp in a statement.

Kupp has a high cap hit, like Adams, and the Rams are looking to move on. Will the Rams replace Kupp with Adams and pair him with wide receiver Puka Nacua?

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrate
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are the closest NFL franchise to Adams' hometown of East Palo Alto, giving them a potential leg up should the Jets release the wide receiver.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that San Francisco is exploring a trade with receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason. Would that create room for the 49ers to sign Adams and give 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy another weapon?

MORE: Ohio State Buckeyes Hire Brian Hartline As OC, Oregon’s Will Stein Stays With Ducks

MORE: What Oregon Ducks' Dan Lanning Said On National Signing Day About Star-Studded Class

MORE: Oregon Ducks Trending To Land 5-Star Recruit Jackson Cantwell Commitment

MORE: Marcus Mariota Reuniting With Chip Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders? Free Agency Rumors


Published |Modified
Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.