Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images On Tuesday afternoon, star wide receiver Davante Adams requested a trade away from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders, despite their 2-2 record, are not great offensively. They lack an identity and a franchise quarterback. Adams will turn 32 years old before the NFL Playoffs commence, and it’s likely that he’d prefer to play for a contender. The Raiders are not that team.
According to reports, Adams would like to be moved as soon as possible as he nurses a mysterious hamstring injury that might be better diagnosed as an unwillingness to play for Antonio Pierce’s Raiders ever again.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets are two teams that have reached out to the Raiders, who are listening to calls but remaining patient on moving their superstar wideout.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday morning that Adams would prefer to play with a quarterback that he’s familiar with. Namely, Aaron Rodgers on the Jets or Derek Carr on the New Orleans Saints.
Let’s take a look at the teams that would make the most sense and could convince the Raiders to part ways with Adams.
New York Jets
Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh hugs quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) after a touchdown by running back Breece Hall (not pictured) during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Okay, we’ll take the low hanging fruit here and begin with the team that’s been the most linked to Adams since his trade request became public.
Adams and Rodgers made some sweet music during their time together with the Green Bay Packers. Adams certainly has not been the same receiver without Rodgers.
The Jets have a need for offense. They scored just nine points in an embarrassing loss to the hapless Denver Broncos last week. Garrett Wilson is a promising young receiver that could learn a thing or two from Adams.
Adams and Rodgers look good in green. They look good together. This one makes the most sense.
Washington Commanders
Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Russini reported that the Cowboys were calling, but there’s a different NFC East team that should be interested in Adams. You guessed it. The Commanders.
Jayden Daniels looks to be the real deal four games into his NFL career. There’s always a risk when you give a very young quarterback a high-profile receiver that demands targets. But thus far, Daniels looks like he’s up for anything.
Winning meaningful games and making playoff runs while your quarterback is on an inexpensive rookie deal is what the NFL is all about. At 3-1 and in the driver’s seat of the NFC East, the Commanders could give their young superstar even more ammunition to turn the franchise around right away.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mar 25, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks to media during the NFL annual league meetings at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports It should not be ignored that the Steelers were in desperate pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk just last month. When Aiyuk signed his new deal with the 49ers, that all went out the window.
Aiyuk is five years younger than Adams, so it’s possible that could be a dealbreaker for Pittsburgh’s decision-makers. But similar to Washington, the Steelers are in first place in what was thought to be a very competitive AFC North.
Their quarterback situation of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson remains in flux, but they are still 3-1. Pushing in some chips for a proven wide receiver could make them an even greater threat once the AFC Playoff picture begins to take form.
Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Chiefs are 4-0. But offensively, they just don’t look right.
They’re going to be without Rashee Rice for at least a little while, especially because they thought he tore his ACL after a collision with Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes has won with much, much less. The Raiders would be hard-pressed to trade him in division. But Andy Reid, Mahomes and Adams would have a surefire path to their third consecutive Super Bowl.
