NFL Analysis
10/1/24
5 min read
3 Trade Destinations For Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams
The Davante Adams era in Las Vegas could be coming to an end.
While the Raiders have found a way to carve out a 2-2 start this season, Adams is at the forefront of trade rumors as he sits out due to an unexpected hamstring injury. Head coach Antonio Pierce added fuel to the fire after liking an Instagram post regarding a potential Adams trade.
The superstar receiver responded to the news on Up & Adams, stating he had not spoken to Pierce about the social media interaction.
Adams is currently considered week-to-week with his injury, and since the trade deadline is on Nov. 4, there's a real chance he's played his last game with the Raiders. Vincent Bonsignore with the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Oct. 1 that the Raiders had begun reaching out to gauge interest in a potential trade.
ESPN's Adam Schefter later confirmed the Raiders were open to moving Adams for a package centered around a second pick.
What started as a reunion with his former college QB Derek Carr has turned into a frustrating stint in Las Vegas for Adams. A fresh start with a new team could help the six-time Pro Bowler revive his career while elevating whichever team makes a move for him into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Making The Money Work
Before a trade is even discussed, it's worth pointing out the financial ramifications of Adams being moved before the deadline.
Adams is in the middle of a five-year, $140 million extension that has him under contract through the 2026 season. According to Over the Cap, trading Adams would result in a dead cap hit of $7.85 million but a net of $17.5 million in cap savings for the rest of the season. It would also get cap hits of $44.1 million and $45.1 million off of the team's books in 2025 and 2026.
The Raiders should have no problem taking on extra salaries in a potential trade, but the bigger issue is which teams could afford to bring Adams in for 2024 and beyond.
The Kansas City Chiefs are a divisional rival and desperately need a star wide receiver. However, with less than $5 million in cap space this season and $27.2 million in 2025, it's just not a feasible trade without significant salaries and draft picks involved.
Davante Adams Trade Proposals
Washington Commanders
Washington CommandersCommanders receive: WR Davante Adams
Raiders receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2026 second-round pick
There are a few teams that can take on Adams' contract outright, and the Washington Commanders are easily the most interesting one.
Jayden Daniels is emerging as a franchise quarterback, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is leaning toward the rookie's strengths. The No. 2 overall pick is establishing a connection quickly with Terry McLaurin but could use a true superstar receiver to take the offense to the next level.
The Commanders have $121 million in cap space to use in 2025, and a true No. 1 receiver for the next few seasons is an ideal use of resources. Meanwhile, the Raiders can recoup some draft capital and hope the Commanders stumble during their rebuild to take advantage of their draft slot in the next two drafts.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers receive: WR Davante Adams
Raiders receive: WR George Pickens, 2025 third-round pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly seeking a trade for Brandon Aiyuk this preseason but were unwilling to part with key players like George Pickens.
The potential to land Adams might have them rethinking holding onto Pickens.
Pickens is known to show his frustration on the sideline, but he has never formally requested a trade. Still, he is off to another frustrating season — with some of his best highlight plays being called back by penalties — catching 20 passes for 284 yards and zero touchdowns.
A move like this would give Pickens a fresh start for a team that he feels almost destined to play for, the Raiders, given his aggressive mentality. Meanwhile, the Steelers get an established No. 1 receiver who thrives on creating separation instead of relying on explosive plays.
New York Jets
New York JetsJets receive: WR Davante Adams, 2025 fourth-round pick
Raiders receive: EDGE Haason Reddick, 2025 second-round pick, 2025 third-round pick
A reunion between Adams and Aaron Rodgers could also help the New York Jets rid themselves of one of their bigger headaches in the Haason Reddick situation.
Reddick continues to hold out as he seeks a new contract following a trade to the Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles. At this point, it doesn't seem like Reddick is willing to play for the Jets without a long-term deal.
The Raiders could use this as leverage in a potential move with general manager Joe Douglas. Not only do they know that Rodgers would love nothing more than to reunite with his favorite target, but also that they could afford to trade for Reddick and sign him to a long-term extension with the extra cap space.
A move like this could give the Raiders another star pass-rusher, along with some extra draft capital on top of it.
