Even before the New York Jets officially released veteran wide receiver Davante Adams on Tuesday, some linked him with the New England Patriots because they have a massive need at the position.
However, it sounds like the Patriots will target other playmakers once the free-agent negotiation window opens this coming Monday.
“According to one league source, the Patriots have not shown any interest in the 32-year-old receiver,” team insiders Karen Guregian and Mark Daniels of MassLive said about Adams on Tuesday. “…Adams does have a connection with the Patriots as he played for (offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels in 2022 and for part of the 2023 season [with the Las Vegas Raiders]. Although McDaniels rubbed some players the wrong way during his stint [as Raiders head coach], another league source said the bridge isn’t burned between Adams and McDaniels.”
On paper, Adams would immediately become quarterback Drake Maye’s best pass-catcher upon signing with the Patriots. Adams finished the 2024 campaign with 85 receptions, 1,063 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches over 14 games. To compare, ESPN stats show that tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver DeMario Douglas led the Patriots with 66 receptions each last season. Henry had a team-high 674 receiving yards, and no New England player tallied more than three receiving scores.
With all that said, some assume Adams and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be a package deal this offseason. New England has no need for Rodgers with Maye atop the depth chart.
Additionally, Adams may view the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers as more desirable landing spots than New England. The native of East Palo Alto, California, is reportedly interested in returning to the West Coast, and he played for the Packers from 2014 through the 2021 season.
Perhaps McDaniels will convince someone in the Patriots front office to reach out to Adams about helping the club pursue a playoff berth next season. Then again, McDaniels may understand that Adams wants to play for an advertised contender rather than be part of an ongoing rebuild at this stage of his career.