3:21pm: The lines of communication between team and player appear to be open at this point. Adams has informed the Raiders his preference is to be traded, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. Nothing is imminent as things currently stand, but that could could certainly change in relatively short order.
2:51pm: Davante Adams‘ name has frequently been floated in trade rumors, and that remains the case through four weeks of the season. While nothing is imminent, a deal is at least receiving consideration on the part of the Raiders.
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the team is “growing open to the idea” of a trade sending Adams elsewhere, adding the Raiders have reached out to teams to gauge his market.. Such a development was speculated in advance of the 2024 campaign, one in which expectations were low for the Raiders. Sitting at 2-2 on the year, Vegas is certainly not out of the playoff picture; still, a deal involving Adams would not come as a surprise.
The three-time All-Pro made it clear multiple times this summer he remained committed to the Raiders. That sentiment was reciprocated by the team, one now led by general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. No thought was given to a trade in the build-up to the campaign, and that sentiment reportedly remained the same before Week 4. Adams missed that contest due to a hamstring injury, and the 31-year-old is considered week-to-week.
Despite the desire expressed by both parties in continuing their relationship, Adams was seen around the league as a potential trade target before the season kicked off. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers remarked about his interest in reuniting with the former Green Bay Pro Bowler in the future, and when speaking about a hypothetical trade Adams named the Jets as a desirable destination. It remains to be seen if New York is among the teams which Vegas has been in contact with while exploring a potential deal, but the Jets are of course a logical suitor.
Three years remain on the Fresno State product’s deal, but only 2024 contains guaranteed salary. Adams’ base compensation for this season is $16.89MM; any acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that figure before no doubt engaging in talks on a reworked contract covering future campaigns. Adams has yet to go public with any trade request, but actions from Pierce has led to a new wave of speculation on the subject.
The first-year head coach (in a full-time capacity) liked an Instagram post from Sports Illustrated suggesting Adams will be dealt. When asked about the matter during an appearance on the Up and Adams show, the 11th-year veteran said he has not yet spoken with Pierce (video link). Adams added that he is not aware of any actions on the team’s part regarding a trade being sought out.
“I don’t really know exactly what that was about,” he said. “It’s one of those situations where I just keep my head down and keep doing my thing and let the chips fall where they may. There’s been no communication with anybody from the team since that became a thing… It’s always some sort of drama… So, people can say what they want, but I’m just chilling and trying to be the model for not stirring the pot and just locking in and doing what I got to do.”
As noted by Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders declined to comment on the situation (subscription required). Provided Bonsignore’s report is accurate, though, this situation will become one of the league’s central storylines leading up to the trade deadline. 18 teams currently have eight figures’ worth of cap space to work with, meaning a number of suitors could emerge especially later on in the campaign as Adams’ acquisition cost (in terms of finances) drops.
After a strong campaign reunited with Derek Carr for 2022, Adams’ production dipped last season. Still, his 103-1,144-8 statline demonstrates his potential at this stage of his career, and he would be an attractive trade piece for any number of teams. Whether or not the Raiders proceed with serious talks on a swap in the near future will be worth watching closely.
Top 8 landing candidates if they move him: Jets Chiefs Ravens Bears(esp. if they trade Keenan Allen to chiefs for picks) Rams Chargers Dolphins & Steelers
The Dolphins are closer to selling off rather than buying
Hence why they’re towards end of my list. Odell is still injured and not bringing much to table. Maybe Miami salvages season and get a QB in trade too like Dobbs or Winston
The Dolphins have a lot of problems and needing a third star receiver is not one of them.
I’d go Packers or Jets. Pack could use another offensive player for Love and might have cap space. Jets because of the AR12. Ravens would be fun. Bears aren’t giving up draft picks.
Packers got like 5 solid WRs minus Watson
Which contending teams have a need at WR and the cap space (or ability to restructure) to add Adams? Can’t imagine they’d trade him to Kansas City and Buffalo seems like they’re not in a good cap situation to acquire him.
How about Washington? Daniels has looked great so far and with Philly and Dallas stumbling (and the Giants playing to expectations), adding Adams could help them swoop in and take the division.
Three team trade… trade Aiyuk to Washington and send Adams to SF. Vegas could probably do well in that scenario
The 49ers did not give Aiyuk all that money, just to trade him for an older player and eat a huge chunk of dead cap.
Exactly. I wanted my niners to trade BA for Davante BEFORE the extension was signed. Makes absolutely no sense from a cap perspective now
Steelers have a need and cap space, but they don’t like to pay a premium, so…dunno.
Regarding Daniels…
I thought he was the best QB from this past draft…starting to think he might be the best QB (period, end of sentence) in a few years.
Browns or Commanders. Even steelers
You think the Browns are making a huge win-now move right now?
They have to before Watsons massive cap hits take effect.
Deshaun Watsons contract balloons to 72 mill cap hits in 2025 and 2026.
There’s really no financial wiggle room the next 2 years. This is really their last season to take a shot.
I don’t think they have a shot this year, and they probably want to roll over some cap space so they can even operate these next couple of years.
Facts this is my point. Browns should be in win now they’re 5 year fully guaranteed QB is making a fortune and they’re losing multiple games. Imagine if Chubb comes back healthy by week 7-8, Davante signs and now you have a fighting chance. AFC north is brutal but not impossible to win at least second behind ravens
Freaking haters out there starting the so-call “NFL Insiders” salivating the prospect of the Raiders trading away Adams!
if y’all want him badly, we hope that Tom Telesco pulls a Cowboys type trade of Hershal Walker to the Vikings deal! Tons of picks including several No.1’s and then some…
They’ll get a 2nd round pick back as the top asset
That’s about right. It’s less than a full season remaining for all practical purposes, for an expensive player, past his prime (but still good)..
I love Davante Adams, but no one is trading multiple first round picks for a receiver who’s about to turn 32.
Multiple firsts for Adams? Yeah, maybe if they include Maxx Crosby in the deal.
Jets, if you’re reading this: save your draft picks, as long as Nathaniel Hackett is your OC nothing is going to save your season
So I guess Jimmy G and McDaniels weren’t the main sources of his frustrations?
93% sure not having Carr there is a big factor as well. After all, it was one of the main reasons he specifically wanted to go to the Raiders in the first place.
Also, losing, probably.
This has the Dallas Cowboys written all over it. I’ll take 2nd round pick and a conditional 4th pending playoffs for $1000 Alex.
Not sure exactly what the Cowboys cap status is-other than hearing a couple blurbs while talking about Dak, Lamb and Parsons specifically, but if they’d require Adams to restructure..not sure how willing he’d be to do that for them, or anyone except MAYBE the J E T S.
Definitely think saints make sense to pair with Olave and pair Adams with Carr again.
Send the raiders a 2nd in 2025 and 4th in 2026.
Apparently, that is the starting point. A second and additional compensation.
It looks like the Lions have some cap space. That would be interesting.
Could tbe Buccaneers squeeze him in
Although…Sterling Shepherd looked good against the Eagles
Adams was one of those players making “business decisions” Antonio Pierce talked about. That can’t help his trade value.
Kamara and a 3rd
The Raiders should have swapped him for Brandon Aiyuk. – as one of these guys wants to win, while the other only wants cash.
I’m thinking Jets or Commanders. AR will put pressure on the FO for a reunion, and the Jets FO might also be feeling some pressure.