Everyone Wants Raiders Star Davante Adams, But Who Wants To Pay?

The sweepstakes for wide receiver Davante Adams is firmly under way, as Adams’ trade request has seemingly been accepted by the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the star receiver’s obvious talent, a number of financial caveats, from Adams’ current contract to future negotiations, may narrow down the list of potential buyers.

Adams has routinely expressed his displeasure in the Raiders since last season, and after trade rumors fell through in 2023, Las Vegas is again looking for interested parties. A mix of solid reports and flimsier rumors seem to suggest that there is immense interest in the receiver across the league.

The New York Jets have been labeled the favorites to acquire Adams because of his previous connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. With Rodgers under center, Adams became a household name with the Packers, and New York has already brought on the likes of receiver Allen Lazard and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in order to better accommodate its quarterback.

Meanwhile, in a similar vein to the Jets, the Saints may also be able to provide a comfortable and familiar system for Adams. It’s hard to remember now, but one of Adams’ primary reasons for going to the Raiders in the first place was to play with quarterback Derek Carr. The two were teammates together at Fresno State, and Adams was eager to play with his old quarterback in Las Vegas. The team waived Carr the following off-season and he signed with New Orleans.

While the Jets and Saints might provide the right fit, they may not be the most desperate. Several teams, including the Steelers, Commanders and Chiefs, could significantly benefit from a trade for a premium wide receiver. Pittsburgh sent Diontae Johnson to Carolina in the off-season, Washington’s receiver core beyond Terry McLaurin is flimsy at best and the Chiefs just lost Rashee Rice to an ACL injury. Adding Adams could open up entirely new offensive possibilities for all three teams.

While fantasizing about Adams’ potential impact around the league provides a great deal of entertainment, money may prove to be the deciding factor. In 2024, he has a $16.89 million salary. Any team that acquires Adams at this point will take a salary cap hit around $13 million this season.

To address this problem, teams will likely request that the Raiders continue paying part of Adams’ salary. This obviously hurts Las Vegas, but could also help them acquire more in return for him.

In another potential snag, there is no more guaranteed money on Adams’ current contract after this season. Not only must the team trading for him have the cap space now, but it’s possible that he will also ask for a new deal before he sets foot on the field again. The Jets have already seen the dangers of this, as newly acquired linebacker Haason Reddick is currently sitting out the 2024 season because the team didn’t meet his  contract demands.

The logistical and financial nightmare of acquiring Adams is at direct odds with the prospect of fielding Adams, which would be immensely exciting for every team in the league. The price must be right, however, and teams must deal with the razor-thin margins and future planning before they can bring the six-time Pro-Bowler aboard.