Should the 49ers make a play for the wide receiver?
The New York Jets may release Davante Adams this offseason, and if that happens, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports from his notebook the wide receiver is open to “West Coast teams” and has the 49ers as a potential landing spot:
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. Adams grew up in Northern California.
49ers could work, but other teams might be a better fit. The Los Angeles Rams are trying to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp, but that may have been due to the emergence of Puka Nacua. The Los Angeles Chargers could also be a fit.
What about the 49ers?
They have Ricky Pearsall, for sure. Until proven otherwise, it’s safe to assume Deebo Samuel will also return. Jauan Jennings is entering the final year of his deal with the 49ers, and they may not be able to afford him because of how he played in 2024. But he’ll be there for 2025, and a deal to Adams would be money they can’t give Jennings.
Then there’s Brandon Aiyuk. He’s rehabbing a knee injury suffered in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. His recovery has been promising, but it’s still impossible to predict if he’ll be ready to go by Week 1.
Even with that Aiyuk injury, I don’t think the 49ers will be in the mix. With Jennings’ emergence and Pearsall expected to carry more of the load in his second season, along with Deebo Samuel, Adams may be fighting to get the ball. Plus, who knows what his salary will be? The 49ers have to figure out Brock Purdy’s contract, among other deals. Adams turns 32, so age wouldn’t be a huge factor, but a long-term deal.
Trading for him in his final two years is out of the question—both 2025 and 2026 have cap numbers at an estimated $38 million. Just in case you have a crazy idea.
Do you think the 49ers should kick the tires on Adams?