The Ravens could pursue Davante Adams if the Jets release him, adding a dynamic playmaker to Lamar Jackson’s offense.

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, roster moves, trades, and free-agent signings have the potential to completely reshape the landscape of a team’s season. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has seen a steady rise in expectations thanks to the playmaking ability of their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, adding a dynamic wide receiver could be the final piece needed to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.

One player who could be a game-changer for the Ravens is Davante Adams, one of the most talented wide receivers in the league. Adams, who has spent the past few seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, has long been considered one of the top wideouts in the NFL, thanks to his exceptional route running, reliable hands, and ability to make plays in critical moments. However, recent rumors and discussions surrounding the New York Jets have suggested that Adams may be on the move again—potentially as soon as the Jets release him.

If the Jets were to release Adams, the Ravens would find themselves in an intriguing position. Baltimore is a team that has been looking to bolster its passing attack and provide Lamar Jackson with more weapons, especially as the team enters the 2023 season with higher expectations. Could this release pave the way for the Ravens to swoop in and sign Adams, adding a true No. 1 receiver to complement Jackson’s talents? Let’s take a closer look at the potential fit and what such a move would mean for both the Ravens and the league.

Davante Adams: A Superstar Wide Receiver

Before diving into the hypothetical of Adams joining the Ravens, it’s important to understand just what kind of player Adams is and why he’s so highly coveted. Over the past few seasons, Adams has solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. His combination of elite route running, ball skills, and ability to make spectacular catches in crucial moments has made him a reliable and dangerous weapon for any offense.

Adams made his name as a Green Bay Packers star, establishing an undeniable chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This connection propelled Adams to five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, including two First-Team All-Pro selections in 2020 and 2021. Over his career, he has put up astounding numbers, including multiple 1,000-yard seasons and consistently scoring double-digit touchdowns. Despite a change in scenery when he moved to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Adams continued to perform at an elite level, recording over 1,500 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season with the team.

His ability to win in all areas of the field—whether it be deep routes, slants, quick outs, or contested catches in the red zone—has made him a versatile weapon. He is also one of the best in the NFL when it comes to running precise, crisp routes that consistently create separation from defenders. Adams is not just an outside threat; his versatility makes him equally dangerous from the slot position, giving quarterbacks an array of options for getting the ball in his hands.

The New York Jets’ Situation

The New York Jets, who have spent the past few years building up their roster around their young quarterback, have made significant strides in improving their offense. In 2023, the team signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, bringing with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and an understanding of what it takes to win in the NFL.

Given Rodgers’ connection with Adams during their time together in Green Bay, there was early speculation that the Jets would look to acquire Adams in a trade or free-agent signing. However, despite their best efforts, Adams ended up staying with the Raiders. Fast forward to the 2023 season, and it appears that the Jets have reached a point of contention with Adams, leading to speculation that they may eventually release him to free up cap space or restructure their roster.

While there have been no official reports confirming the Jets’ plans to release Adams, the possibility has sparked the interest of several teams around the league, including the Baltimore Ravens. If Adams were indeed released, it would be a huge move for the Ravens, who have been in search of a true No. 1 receiver to pair with Jackson.

Why the Ravens Need a True No. 1 Receiver

Lamar Jackson’s evolution as an NFL quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, thanks to his unique blend of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability. However, despite his tremendous individual success, the Ravens have consistently struggled to surround Jackson with top-tier talent at the wide receiver position.

In the past few seasons, Baltimore’s receiving corps has lacked a true game-changing No. 1 receiver. While players like Marquise Brown (now with the Arizona Cardinals) and Rashod Bateman have shown flashes of potential, the Ravens have yet to find a player who can consistently create separation and make big plays down the field. This has forced Jackson to rely on tight ends, running backs, and a handful of complementary receivers. While this strategy has had some success, it is clear that the Ravens need more firepower at the wide receiver position to elevate their offense.

With the Ravens’ emphasis on a run-heavy attack built around Jackson’s legs and the talent of their offensive line, the addition of a top-tier wide receiver like Davante Adams could open up the offense in new ways. Jackson has proven capable of throwing deep passes and leading explosive plays, but he needs a reliable target who can create separation on a consistent basis. This is where Adams would be invaluable to the Ravens’ offense.

How Davante Adams Fits into the Ravens’ Offense

If Davante Adams were to join the Ravens, he would instantly become Lamar Jackson’s go-to target in the passing game. Adams would give Jackson a trusted weapon who could consistently win one-on-one matchups, stretch the field vertically, and be a dominant force in the red zone. His ability to make difficult catches in tight coverage would give Jackson an option in situations where he may be forced to take a shot downfield or make a contested throw.

One of the most appealing aspects of Adams’ game is his ability to create separation on short and intermediate routes. In a system like the Ravens’, which relies on play-action and mismatches, Adams’ route-running expertise would make him a perfect fit. Additionally, his ability to operate from both the outside and the slot would allow the Ravens to move him around and create mismatches with opposing defenses. His versatile skill set would give offensive coordinator Todd Monken multiple ways to scheme him open and get him involved in the game.

In the Ravens’ offense, Adams would complement Lamar Jackson’s unique playing style. While Jackson is known for his ability to make plays with his legs, having a reliable receiver like Adams would allow Jackson to develop a more dynamic passing game, especially on third downs and in critical moments. Jackson would benefit from having a reliable target in the air, knowing that he has someone who can consistently win battles at the line of scrimmage, catch the ball at its highest point, and make plays in crucial situations.

The Financial Situation and Potential Fit

One of the key considerations in any potential move for Adams would be the financial aspects. Adams is currently one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, and the Ravens would need to find a way to fit his contract under their salary cap. The Ravens are no strangers to making difficult financial decisions, as evidenced by their contract with Lamar Jackson, and adding Adams could require restructuring contracts or making tough cuts in other areas.

If the Jets were to release Adams, the Ravens would likely find themselves in a situation where they could negotiate a more favorable deal for him. It is also worth noting that the Ravens have already committed substantial funds to other positions on their roster, including the quarterback position, so it may take a bit of creativity to make room for Adams.

However, if the Ravens are serious about competing for a Super Bowl, the addition of a proven, elite wide receiver would be a wise investment. Adams would not only give the offense a significant boost, but he would also help open up the Ravens’ passing game in a way that could provide an even more balanced attack.

What Would This Mean for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Playoff Hopes?

If the Ravens successfully signed Davante Adams, it would be a major move for both the team and Lamar Jackson. The addition of Adams would elevate Jackson’s ability to make plays in the passing game and add a new dimension to the offense. For the Ravens, this would be a signal that they are fully committed to maximizing Jackson’s potential and putting him in the best position to succeed.

For Jackson, having a receiver like Adams to rely on would be a huge confidence boost. He would no longer have to carry the entire load of the passing game alone. With Adams on the roster, Jackson would have a proven playmaker to target on key downs, ultimately increasing the Ravens’ chances of success in both the regular season and the postseason.

The Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations are dependent on a few key factors, and one of them is having a dynamic passing game that can complement their already potent rushing attack. If they add a player like Adams to the mix, the Ravens would have one of the most complete and dangerous offenses in the NFL. It would shift their trajectory from being a competitive playoff team to being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.