The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to trade Davante Adams well ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline, with reports suggesting a deal could be finalized as early as next week.
Meanwhile, sources indicate to CBS Sports that the Raiders are deliberating internally about how much of Adams’s remaining $13.5 million salary they are willing to cover to facilitate the trade of the three-time All-Pro wide receiver.
According to sources, the Raiders and general manager Tom Telesco are ”stuck” regarding second-round compensation, and numerous individuals around the league believe there is pressure from owner Mark Davis to finish the deal at that price point. Several league executives have conveyed to CBS Sports their belief that the trade will ultimately be concluded with a third-round pick and additional compensation.
Among the teams vying for Adams is the New York Jets, which would unite him with his former Green Bay quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, in pursuit of another championship. General managers league-wide believe Adams will ultimately join the Jets, as sources indicate that the team is his top preference, though it remains uncertain if he’ll be traded there.
The New Orleans Saints also present a legitimate option for Adams, where he would reunite with his college and Raiders teammate, Derek Carr. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly monitoring the situation along with other interested teams, sources say.
Adams has been the subject of trade rumors since last year, but he only formally requested a trade this past Tuesday. Late last week, personnel within the Raiders organization sensed his tenure with the team was nearing its end.
Rodgers has actively pursued Adams for a while, and the Jets were among the teams that made inquiries before last year’s trade deadline. However, after the Jets lost 10-9 at home to the Broncos, sources report that Rodgers intensified his recruitment of Adams.
The Jets are not rushing the process. Factors such as Adams’ hamstring injury, his salary, the Raiders’ compensation demands, and the team’s upcoming travel to London this week contributed to the lack of movement during the past week. “But the quarterback may be in a rush,” acknowledged a source.
The 2-2 Jets rank 18th in passing offense, with Rodgers throwing more passes in under 2.5 seconds at an unprecedented rate. Third-year receiver Garrett Wilson has seen action with 20 receptions totaling 191 yards over four games, and his chemistry with Rodgers is still developing.
Several sources have raised questions about how the addition of Adams might affect the dynamic between Rodgers and Wilson. “Will it help or hinder?” one source queried.
If the Jets successfully acquire Adams, other teams may express interest in trading for one of their wide receivers. Sources suggest that Mike Williams could be the most likely candidate for a trade, as the 30-year-old receiver, currently on a one-year deal, appears to be regaining form after undergoing ACL surgery last year.
One issue for the Jets involves a player who isn’t currently on the roster: Haason Reddick. His absence accounts for just $750,000 against the salary cap, but if he returns from his holdout, his cap hit could exceed $9 million.
Trading for Adams last week would have obligated any team to absorb his $13.5 million in remaining salary. If a deal were executed by the trade deadline, that figure would reduce to $8.6 million, with a decrease of about $1 million each week.
Any team considering a trade for Adams would likely require the Raiders to reduce some of his contract to remain under the salary cap. Such an arrangement would not only facilitate a trade for Las Vegas but could also raise the compensation received and potentially increase Adams’ earnings. By having the Raiders cover part of his salary, Adams could benefit from the tax advantages offered by Nevada, compared to a team based in the New York area.
Sources further believe that an element of recruitment will be crucial to entice Adams, who has never been a free agent during his career. Rodgers has taken the lead on this front for the Jets, while the Saints benefit from Carr and wide receivers coach Keith Williams, who has known Adams since his teenage years.
“He’ll have control over his destination,” remarked one general manager.
Although Adams technically has two years remaining on his contract that extend beyond 2024, for practical purposes, this season is viewed as the final year of his deal. He is slated to earn $35.64 million in base salary for two consecutive years, neither of which is guaranteed. It is presumed that no team would commit to paying Adams, who will turn 32 in December, such a sum next year.
Thus, acquiring Adams at this juncture would essentially secure him as a one-year rental. A trading team might hope to negotiate a reworked deal with him ahead of any transfer, yet a general manager who spoke with CBS Sports questioned the likelihood of such an agreement. “What if he goes to the Jets and something happens with Rodgers?” the GM pondered. “He might want to take his time evaluating his options wherever he lands.”
Reports indicate that the Raiders had offers exceeding a second-round pick for Adams at last year’s trade deadline. However, Davis chose not to entertain the trade, and discussions with any team failed to advance since he dismissed coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler just prior to the deadline.
Adams’ frustrations last season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo were captured in the Netflix series “Receiver,” which ultimately culminated in interim coach Antonio Pierce sidelining the veteran in favor of Aidan O’Connell.
As a significant team member, Adams advocated for Pierce to be named the permanent head coach. Following Pierce’s appointment, Davis opted to pair the inexperienced head coach with seasoned GM Telesco, who had recently been released by the Chargers and had no prior working relationship with Pierce.
Pierce played a vital role in persuading Telesco to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom Pierce had previously coached at Arizona State. The Washington Commanders rejected all trade offers to move from the No. 2 spot and subsequently drafted Daniels, who is now leading the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year as he sets rookie quarterback records. Despite the Raiders being 2-2, they have struggled to receive strong quarterback performances from Gardner Minshew, who secured the starting position over O’Connell during the preseason.
Compounding the situation, Pierce liked an Instagram post earlier this week that suggested Adams had played his last game as a Raider. Pierce has since refrained from discussing this social media interaction, and on Tuesday, Adams mentioned that he had not yet spoken with his coach.
Shortly thereafter, Pierce informed his staff that Adams had requested a trade. By as soon as next week, he could find a new NFL home, possibly alongside an old friend.
Upcoming Trade: Davante Adams on the Move as Raiders Explore Options Before Deadline
The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and speculation is rife regarding the future of star wide receiver Davante Adams. The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly exploring trade options ahead of the deadline, aiming to navigate potential cap issues for the 2024 season. With a hefty cap hit looming, the Raiders could be motivated to make a significant move that would reshape their roster.
Current Situation and Cap Implications
Davante Adams, a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s premier wide receivers, has been a focal point of the Raiders’ offense since joining the team. However, the franchise is facing a potential cap hit exceeding $44 million next season, prompting a reassessment of their roster strategy. This situation has led to discussions around potential trade destinations for Adams, which could benefit both parties involved.
Possible Trade Destinations for Davante Adams
As the Raiders look to offload Adams, several teams have emerged as potential trade partners. Here’s a look at the most talked-about landing spots:
- New York Jets: With a promising roster and a need for a reliable receiving threat, the Jets could be an attractive option for Adams. Pairing him with young quarterback Zach Wilson might reignite their playoff hopes.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The defending Super Bowl champions are always looking to bolster their offensive arsenal. Adding Adams to a receiving corps that already includes Travis Kelce would create a formidable attack.
- New Orleans Saints: The Saints have shown interest in acquiring a top-tier wideout, and Adams could be the perfect fit to complement their existing receiving options.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: As they look to stabilize their offense, the Steelers could benefit from the presence of Adams, providing young quarterback Kenny Pickett with a proven target.
- Dallas Cowboys: With the Cowboys always in pursuit of high-caliber talent, a trade for Adams could provide Dak Prescott with another elite weapon in the passing game.
Benefits of Trading Davante Adams
Trading Davante Adams could offer several advantages to the Raiders, including:
- Financial Relief: Moving Adams could alleviate the looming cap issues, allowing the Raiders to allocate resources to other roster improvements.
- Acquisition of Assets: A trade could yield valuable draft picks or younger players, aiding in the team’s future rebuilding efforts.
- Team Chemistry: A fresh start for both Adams and the Raiders might benefit the team’s overall morale and performance.
Case Studies: Successful Wide Receiver Trades
Examining previous successful wide receiver trades can provide insight into how a trade involving Davante Adams might unfold:
| Player | From Team | To Team | Trade Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans | Arizona Cardinals | Transformed Cardinals’ offense, leading to playoff contention. |
| Stefon Diggs | Minnesota Vikings | Buffalo Bills | Elevated Bills to contender status, breaking franchise receiving records. |
| Brandin Cooks | New Orleans Saints | New England Patriots | Helped Patriots secure a Super Bowl title in his first season. |
Practical Tips for Teams Considering a Trade
For teams contemplating a trade for Davante Adams or similar players, consider the following tips:
- Assess the Financial Impact: Ensure that the team’s salary cap structure can accommodate the player’s contract.
- Evaluate Fit: Consider how the player would fit into the existing offensive scheme and team culture.
- Negotiate Wisely: Be prepared to offer competitive compensation while being mindful of the long-term strategy.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players and Coaches
Gaining insights from players and coaches who have been involved in similar trades can provide valuable perspectives. Former players often highlight the emotional challenges of leaving a team, while coaches emphasize the importance of integrating new talent into the locker room.
One notable example is DeAndre Hopkins, who expressed mixed feelings about his trade from Houston but acknowledged the opportunity for growth in Arizona. Coaches often stress the importance of clear communication during the transition to ensure that both the new player and the existing roster can adapt effectively.
Conclusion: The Future of Davante Adams
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Davante Adams and the Las Vegas Raiders. With potential trade destinations emerging and cap implications at play, both Adams and the Raiders could benefit from a fresh start. Whether he remains in Las Vegas or moves to a new team, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his career.
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