Davante Adams has continually attempted to make clear he wants to stay with the Raiders. Despite Las Vegas in transition at quarterback following the release of Adams Fresno State teammate Derek Carr, the All-Pro wide receiver has said on a few occasions he wants to remain a Raider.
This has not stopped speculation about a move, and a Trade Rumors Front Office piece last week explored the 11th-year wide receiver’s status as an accomplished 30-something on a retooling team. Aaron Rodgers then said he looks forward to playing with his former teammate once again, and Netflix’s Receiver series featured a scene in which Adams tied the benching of Jimmy Garoppolo to his own Raiders future.
[RELATED: Offseason In Review: Las Vegas Raiders]
Last week, Adams reiterated his desire to stay in Vegas under the Antonio Pierce–Tom Telesco regime. The third-year Raider brushed off rumors about a Rodgers reunion, calling them unrealistic. As this spree of trade rumors/denials persist, Adams’ agents indicated (via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter) they are not signs this partnership will end soon. Agents Kenny Chapman and Frank Bauer said no trade talks have taken place. This comes months after Telesco said Adams was not available at the Combine.
Adams, 31, is in a rather unusual situation. The Raiders fired the regime that traded first- and second-round picks for him, doing so after cutting Carr. Visible Adams frustration with the Raiders’ state of affairs transpired before the firings of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, and even after the Pierce elevation coincided with better performances, Adams finished with nearly 400 fewer receiving yards (1,144) compared to his 2022 All-Pro season. Counting Jarrett Stidham‘s starter stint, the Raiders could soon be on a fourth post-Carr QB — if Gardner Minshew lives up to his guarantee and unseats Aidan O’Connell — with a high-value trade chip taking up cap space.
While both Adams and Tyreek Hill signed backloaded extensions that raised the receiver AAV ceiling in 2022, the former’s deal features two seasons with monster base salaries. Due to two base salaries north of $35MM in 2025 and ’26, Adams’ cap numbers enter new territory in 2025. Tied to a $25.35MM number this year, the ex-Packer second-rounder’s figure rises to $44.1MM in 2025 and ’26. No guaranteed money remains on the contact beyond 2024.
The Dolphins have indicated they appear open to revising Hill’s contract; no contract talks between the Raiders and Adams are believed to have taken place. That makes sense due to the team having authorized a five-year deal in 2022, but Adams’ place on a team that may well not have its long-term QB hopeful on the current roster remains a bit curious. Expected contenders figure to call the Raiders, as some teams did before the 2023 deadline. Vegas struggling to start the season would stand to increase interest.
For now, though, all parties continue to insist no trade will happen. The Raiders would risk a diminished return in an Adams trade if they wanted until after this season, as Adams will turn 32 in December. But nothing appears close regarding a trade. Adams will soon head to training camp as a factor in the Minshew-O’Connell QB battle, which certainly represents a different stage of his career compared to being the top weapon during Rodgers’ third and fourth MVP seasons.
It would be weird to trade him now, at the end of the offseason, but I also don’t think I would hold onto an almost 32 year old number one receiver if I ran a team with no realistic shot at contending this year. The Raiders have some great parts, but they’re an odd team this year.
He and Tyreek. Two malcontents. Adams for Hill. Straight up.
They’re around the same age.
Both have contracts with the guaranteed money part done after this season. Hill’s salary is a little higher (2 mil) and his cap hit is 6 mil +/- higher but that can be worked out in the negotiations if Vegas has a gripe with it.
Result. Each gets a fresh start. And each team can base future value/earnings solely on performance in 2024. Kinda like what Houston is doing with Diggs.
Trading for another elite receiver over 30 doesn’t really change my point.
I see your point. I’m not a Raiders fanatic. Not up to speed on their chances of competing this year. That said, I do like the Minshew signing.
One other thought. Looks like Raiders don’t sell out home games. Bring in a Tyreek Hill, does it goose attendance?
I’d say maybe a little. But most fans like Adams. Past that, I think attendance is a function of time. There were likely relatively few Raider fans in LV when they moved. You need to capture these kids when they are like 10 years old and let them follow the team for 15 years before they finally have some money.
That takes time.
I like him a lot, but you have to be open-minded. I can see the Jets being pressured to make a bad deal. And there is really only one season left in his contract.
If raiders finish under .500 and he misses playoffs again he’s gone. Simple. He’ll demand a trade. He’s not as loyal to the raiders as he pretends to be. He wants a ring and I get it. Jets could be a huge contender. Also could see Chiefs, Patriots, Steelers or Rams making a push for him
I’d say that’s about 100% correct. My only change is that he will be gone earlier if the record is weak. I like our chances, but if we are 2-4, and the NYJ are 4-2, there could be some pressure both ways to make a deal.
I don’t see him being a trade deadline guy unless Garret(heaven forbid) goes out with an injury and jets potential playoff run is threatened. Adams will begrudgingly stick it out for a dud season and want out early 2025.
Another scenario which is unlikely raiders start 0-7 or 0-8 and Addams literally SCREAMS to be traded and another team takes on his contract mid season
Dude is no different than his BFF, Aaron. ‘Look at me!!!!!!!’. 1 ring between them. Ego is valueless if you can’t back up the talk.
Can’t back up the talk? By any reasonable measure he’s been one of the greatest and most productive receivers to ever play the game. And this post doesn’t even involve him saying anything other than wanting to stay.
All offseason, he’s done nothing but talk about playing with Aaron. You follow the news, you know this.
0 rings says a lot as well. According to you one of the best WR/QB tandems’ should at least win some playoff games. Solid in the regular season, both are bums in the playoffs. Look at the stats.
Adams is high on the list of all-time playoff receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. And many of the greatest receivers of all time have no rings, including Randy Moss and Cris Carter.
Legacy points are by winning SB’s. If Randy and Chris weren’t in the media, their names would fade away.
As for today’s offenses, in all pro sports, it’s by far rigged for the offense players. What Adams is doing isn’t anything different than 20 some other WR’s in the league today.
Cooper had more receiving yards last year playing w/ 5 different QB’s. And Adams isn’t even in the same league as M Evans. 2 seasons w/ Tom the others still over 1,000+ yards annually for a decade.
Moss and Carter are 2 and 4 on the all time touchdown list. People would absolutely remember them. Adams has made three first team All-Pros and he’s one of only six receivers with at least six seasons of double digit touchdowns, among many other accomplishments. His legacy will be a first ballot hall of famer.
Like I say, the league is geared towards offense players so their stats & contracts are bloated these days. Teams pay and draft WR’s top dollar, not running backs. It’s a new league.
I’ll let Deon answer that question (2023 was when he said the comment). Deion Sanders Rips Football Hall of Fame: ‘We’ve Gotten Soft’ and ‘Haters Involved’.
If Adams didn’t have a HoF QB throwing to him during their primes, how great would he be? That’s why he has no interest in Minshew or the guy throwing him balls this year and makes open comments about playing with Aaron.
He led the league in touchdowns with Derek Carr. Also funny to complain about people being me first, then quote Deion Sanders’ opinion.
Anyway, seems we’ve reached the agree to disagree point.
Secretary, we’ve agreed not to comment on each other posts, but seems you forgot that.
The Rodgers/Adams pairing is nothing but a footnote in football history.
What agreement? And you have commented. I was trying to end this before you went low in a stupid way, but you just can’t resist. Have a good one.
I commented on other posts you have commented on but not on yours. But all you do is disagree w/ everyone that posts.
People get tired of a fake attorney that argues every single take. You’re annoying.
If you’re talking trash about me, I’m in a lot of good company.
Deon Sanders is a top 5 CB of all time. Unlike Adams, he backed his talk.
The GOAT duo of BB and TFB…right Farty?
arty! • 7 hours ago
All offseason, he’s done nothing but talk about playing with Aaron
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I don’t remember that. Care to add some citations?
deep down inside .. he still wishes he was a packer
The big issue people keep forgetting about us who is gonna be the Raiders #1 WR if they trade Adams? That would leave them with Jakobi Meyers, Michael Gallup & Tre Tucker as their top three. Of course there’s gonna be some Michael Meyer & Brock Bowers two tight end sets, but they’re not gonna do that all of the time, unless they end up scoring more doing it.
I think with those two they’ll be running a TON of two tight end sets. Their skill sets should work well off each other.
I don’t think anyone forgot that. But you also have to be forward-thinking. If the NYJ offer us a ridiculous package, and we have to sacrifice 2024 in favor of 2025-2028, you have to at least consider it.