Should the Texans Pursue Davante Adams After His Release?
Heading into the offseason, the Houston Texans potentially needed to replace Stefon Diggs and find a reliable outside receiver to step in for Tank Dell, who is recovering from injury. In my previous article, How the Texans Can Address Their WR Needs This Offseason, I analyzed how Houston might approach filling these needs. At the time, Davante Adams wasn’t considered a realistic option—but that has now changed.
With the New York Jets officially releasing Adams, the Texans now have a unique opportunity to re-evaluate their approach at WR. C.J. Stroud has openly admired Adams, and Adams himself has expressed interest in playing with Stroud in the past. Given the Texans’ shift to a new offense under Nick Caley, could Adams be the perfect short-term addition to elevate Houston’s passing game?
Adams’ Market Value & Where He Stands in Free Agency
Adams’ previous Raiders/Jets contract carried an AAV (average annual value) of $28M, but it was backloaded, making it seem higher in later years. Now, Spotrac projects his new market value at $13.6M per year (2 years, $27.16M total).
How does that compare to other veteran WRs?
Davante Adams: $13.6M per year (2 years, $27.16M total)
Stefon Diggs: $13.5M per year (1 year, $13.46M total)
DeAndre Hopkins: $15.2M per year (1 year, $15.19M total)
Amari Cooper: $14.2M per year (2 years, $28.44M total)
Keenan Allen: $11.1M per year (2 years, $22.19M total)
I pulled these market projections from Spotrac, which factors in age, production trends, injury history, and comparable contracts. However, these values aren’t always precise indicators of a player’s actual contract. Given Adams’ reputation and continued high-level production, his realistic market value could fall closer to $16-18M per year. If multiple teams show interest, his price may climb even higher.
Should the Texans Prioritize Adams Over Diggs?
Before Adams’ release, the Texans’ WR decision centered on whether to re-sign Stefon Diggs. Had Houston extended him before February 17, they could have restructured his deal and lessened his cap hit for 2025. Since that didn’t happen, Diggs is officially testing the market, and Houston carries a $16.6M dead cap charge in 2025.
With Adams now available, the WR market suddenly looks much stronger than expected. The Texans now have multiple options:
They could re-sign Diggs at the right price, maintaining continuity and chemistry with Stroud.
They could pivot to Adams as a short-term solution, adding a veteran presence without a long-term commitment.
They could wait to see if other veteran WRs (like Cooper Kupp) are released, maximizing flexibility.
The Texans' WR options are much better than they once appeared, with multiple proven veterans available who can contribute immediately. This allows Houston to stay patient and find the best possible fit.
What Do PFF’s Advanced Metrics Say About Adams?
As always, PFF grades aren’t the end-all, be-all, but they serve as a useful guide when paired with film study. Based on Adams' 2024 PFF grades and role evolution, here’s what stands out:
1. Adams is Still a High-Level WR
2024 PFF Receiving Grade: 76.8
2023 PFF Receiving Grade: 80.0
2020-2022 PFF Receiving Grades: 90+ (Three straight elite seasons)
Even though his PFF grade dipped, Adams is still one of the most technically sound WRs in the NFL.
2. Alignment & Slot Usage
2024 Slot %: 46.4% (Career High)
Career Slot %: 24.0%
Wide Alignment %: 53.4% in 2024 (Career Avg ~75%)
Adams is no longer just a true outside X receiver—he’s shown versatility by playing both inside and outside. This matches how the Texans used Diggs in 2024, with Diggs operating as the primary Z WR in two-WR sets and shifting to the slot in three-WR sets.
On The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers discussed how Davante Adams’ role changed in 2024, noting that Adams played more of a Z receiver rather than his traditional X role. Rodgers highlighted that this shift allowed Adams to move around more and operate in space, rather than being isolated against press coverage as often. This positional adjustment was a notable change from his years in Green Bay, where he was primarily used as an X WR and relied on elite route running and physicality to win matchups.
3. Catch Efficiency & Drop Rate
2024 Drops: 10
2024 Drop Rate: 10.5%
Career Drop Rate: 6.6%
Typical WR Drop Rate Ranges:
Elite WRs: ~4-6%
Average WRs: ~6-8%
Concerning WRs: 10%+
Adams' 10.5% drop rate is a slight concern, but likely an outlier. His career 6.6% rate is within the normal range for top WRs.
4. Red Zone Efficiency & Yards Per Catch (YPC)
2024 YPC: 12.5 (Higher than 2023, showing he’s still a big-play threat)
4,881 Career Yards After Catch (YAC)
Scored 8 TDs in 2024, keeping his 1,000+ yard / 8+ TD streak alive
Adams remains a dominant red zone target, with his career usage in screens and motion concepts making him an excellent fit in Nick Caley’s offense. McVay schemes have previously used bigger, more physical WRs in motion to get them advantageous matchups, and Adams’ experience in that role could make him a valuable piece for the Texans.
Adams’ Connection to C.J. Stroud & His Fit in Houston
Another reason Adams makes sense for Houston? His connection with C.J. Stroud.
Adams spoke highly of Stroud on The G’s in a Pod podcast, expressing an affinity for playing with him when he was coming out of the draft.
Stroud has long admired Adams, even naming him in his "perfect offense" on Micah Parsons’ The Edge podcast.
Stroud’s dream WR trio at the time included Adams, Tank Dell, and Kevin Zeitler (a FA guard I am high on), but Nico Collins was omitted—which may have changed after Collins’ dominant 2024 season.
Additionally, Adams torched the Texans in Week 9 last year, finishing with:
7 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD
Even in a struggling offense, Adams showed he can still dominate top defenses, making him a high-upside option for Houston.
Final Thoughts: Should the Texans Sign Adams?
The Texans entered the offseason potentially needing to replace Diggs and add a WR for Dell’s absence. Now that Diggs is testing the market and Adams is unexpectedly available, Houston has multiple options.
The key questions the Texans must consider:
Would Adams accept a deal in the $13-15M range, or will his real market be closer to $16-18M?
Would the Texans prefer Adams over re-signing Diggs?
Would waiting allow other veteran WRs (like Cooper Kupp) to become available?
Adams would give Houston a dominant short-term WR2 alongside Collins. If he’s willing to sign at a reasonable price, the Texans should seriously consider making a move.
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