Davante Adams is gone. Allen Lazard likely will be out the door next. Tyler Conklin could be after him.
Forget, for a moment, the search for Aaron Rodgers’ replacement as Jets franchise quarterback. Who exactly is going to catch passes from Tyrod Taylor (or anyone else) this season?
The Jets released Adams on Tuesday for $29.8 million in salary cap savings against a $8.3M dead-cap charge.
It was the expected move from the moment last month that the Rodgers era ended.
Adams forced his way from the Raiders to the Jets in a desperate midseason trade for a third-round pick (No. 73 overall) in the upcoming draft because of the chance to reunite with Rodgers.
The 11-game rental produced stats — 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns — but not enough season-salvaging wins en route to a 5-12 finish.
But Adams’ departure is just the beginning of pass catchers in flux for the Jets.
Here is a look at other noteworthy situations, highlighting a need to be active in free agency and early in the draft (tight end Tyler Warren or receiver Tetairoa McMillan?):
WR Garrett Wilson
After beginning his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Wilson is extension eligible and there is no obvious place to slot his contract in the NFL receiver hierarchy. The toll that losing has taken on him is clear, and he did not completely shut down speculation that he might ask for a trade before this new regime was hired.
WR Allen Lazard
The likely salary cap casualty ($6.6 million saved against $6.5 million dead) would join his Packers-rooted friends Rodgers and Adams in free agency. Lazard struggled and fell out of favor in 2023 — the only season of his career spent with a quarterback other than Rodgers. NFL Network reported that the Jets are open to trading Lazard, though that seems more like a far-fetched wish.
WR Malachi Corley
A Rodgers-endorsed 2024 third-round draft pick who was supposed to bring a physical, tackle-breaking, catch-and-run element to the offense, Corley managed three catches for 16 yards in nine games as a rookie.
WR Xavier Gipson
If and when Lazard is gone, Gipson will be the returning receiver who played the second-most offensive snaps last season (182, fifth most on the team). He recorded six catches for 39 yards — a dip from when he looked like a viable option out of the slot and as a punt returner (Week 1 walk-off TD) in 2023.
TE Tyler Conklin
He proved to be a smart, midlevel free agent signing by averaging 58 catches for 551 yards and totaling seven touchdowns in three seasons. The tight end is headed back to free agency entering his age-30 season. What is the price tag on his well-respected locker-room voice?
TE Jeremy Ruckert
Another third-round pick without much to show for his first three years. The Long Island native has just 35 catches for 264 yards (and no touchdowns) in 41 games entering his contract walk year.
Note: Tight ends Zack Kuntz and Neal Johnson, and receivers Easop Winston and Brandon Smith are signed to low-risk futures contracts. Receiver/special-teamer Irvin Charles, receiver Malik Taylor and tight end Kenny Yeboah are free agents.
