Davante Adams appears ready to part ways with Las Vegas, and multiple teams are eyeing him as a potential boost to their Super Bowl aspirations. The signs have been evident for some time. Following the Raiders’ decision to move on from Derek Carr, it became apparent that Adams’ departure could be imminent.
Adams, a three-time All-Pro, initially joined the Raiders to reunite with Carr, his former college quarterback and friend, while also landing a lucrative contract. Fast forward two years, and with Carr now in New Orleans, it seems Adams might be on the trading block, despite his hefty salary.
The Raiders’ season took a significant downturn after a tough loss to the Panthers in Week 3. Coach Antonio Pierce alluded to “business decisions” made by players during the second half, signaling potential changes ahead. Not long after, Adams showed up to practice with a mild hamstring injury, which the Raiders indicated would sideline him on a week-to-week basis. Soon after, reports emerged that the Raiders had informed other teams they were open to trading Adams, and Adams himself expressed a desire for a trade.
While midseason trades are becoming more frequent, they typically involve depth players rather than star athletes. However, recent seasons have seen high-profile trades involving game-changers like Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller, and Christian McCaffrey. Acquiring Adams could shift the trajectory of a contender’s season.
Integrating a new receiver midseason isn’t without its challenges, but Adams is anything but ordinary. He showcased his talent by racking up 1,516 receiving yards in his debut season with Carr in Las Vegas and maintained an impressive 11.2 yards per reception in 2023 despite a rotating cast of quarterbacks. At 31, while he may not be in his prime, even a fraction of his skill keeps him among the NFL’s elite receivers.
Initial reports suggest the Raiders are seeking a second-round pick for Adams, a price that many contenders might find acceptable. However, this asking price could decrease as the trade deadline approaches. In 2022, when the Panthers traded McCaffrey, they initially aimed for multiple high picks but ultimately settled for a second-rounder and a few mid-round selections. Moreover, Adams’ contract is manageable, and he could renegotiate terms to facilitate a move to a preferred team.
Here are five teams that could pursue Adams:
**New York Jets:** Despite a promising offseason and the anticipated return of Aaron Rodgers, the Jets’ offense has struggled, especially against tougher opponents. With ongoing offensive line issues, adding Adams could be the solution they need. The previous Rodgers-Adams connection was among the most productive in NFL history, and pairing Adams with emerging stars like Garrett Wilson could create nightmares for defenses. The Jets have the assets to make this happen and a real urgency to act on their Super Bowl ambitions.
**Buffalo Bills:** After a strong start to the season, Buffalo’s offense stumbled against the Ravens. Although they’ve diversified their playcalling, concerns linger about their ability to compete with playoff-caliber defenses. While young receiver Keon Coleman shows promise, the Bills should consider bringing Adams on board to strengthen their passing game for a deep postseason run.
**Washington Commanders:** The Commanders find themselves in an unexpected divisional race thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been on fire. To maintain their offensive momentum, acquiring an All-Pro caliber receiver like Adams could be crucial. Although his age and salary could give them pause, it reflects the trend of teams like the Texans and Dolphins pursuing established talent while their young quarterbacks remain cost-effective.
**Green Bay Packers:** Despite a recent loss to the Vikings, the Packers remain strong contenders in the crowded NFC. They could see significant benefits from a midseason upgrade, especially if they were to bring Adams back to Green Bay, where he would strengthen an already talented receiving corps.
**Kansas City Chiefs:** While the odds of Adams opting for a trade to Kansas City over a reunion with Carr in New Orleans might seem slim, pairing him with Patrick Mahomes could be transformative. With injuries plaguing their receiving corps, adding Adams could rejuvenate an offense that has struggled early in the season. Despite the complexities of trading within the division, the Chiefs should seriously consider going after one of the market’s top talents as they chase a potential three-peat.
As the trade deadline approaches, expect discussions around Adams to intensify, with several teams poised to make a significant move for his services.