Davante Adams’ time with in Las Vegas appears to be drawing close to an end. Speculation about whether the receiver would stay with the struggling Raiders has ramped up in recent weeks with the team being unable to really utilize him, Adams being quiet about his future, and the most obvious conclusion shaping up to be trading him away to a contender.
That eventuality became more real on Tuesday afternoon with the news that the Raiders began to warm up to the idea, and had begun the process of taking trade calls on Adams.
More on this to come: A league source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the @Raiders are growing open to the idea of trading Davante Adams. The source said the club has begun reaching out to teams to gauge interest in the veteran wide receiver.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) October 1, 2024
In order to make a deal work a team would need at least $13M in open cap space to take on Adams’ contract. The good news is almost half the league has that money available, but that doesn’t mean Adams is a great fit on all those rosters. In order to make this work he would need to land on a better team than the Raiders, not just a lateral move — and from there it would need to be in a place where he can make an impact in order to be happy.
Here are the 6 teams that actually makes sense.
San Francisco 49ers
This is an offense that’s still reeling from the ongoing injury issues of Christian McCaffrey. Not only did the 49ers lose their star running back, but one of their best pass catchers in the process. This has been amplified as Brandon Aiyuk has struggled to make an impact in 2024.
San Francisco’s window is open right now, and feels as though it’s starting to close. It’s unclear when rookie Ricky Pearsall will be able to take reps, meaning this team needs weapons. With ample cap space to make it work, adding Adams to the offense means this team can hopefully get back on track, using Aiyuk in more creative ways out of the slot while Adams can hold down the outside.
If trying to win a championship is the goal for both parties (and it is), then this becomes one of the best landing spots.
Washington Commanders
It’s wild to think of Washington being a prime landing spot, but it’s certainly become that. The offense is rolling with Kliff Kingsbury and Jayden Daniels, but the team is in dire need of another receiver outside of Terry McLaurin.
As it stands TE Zach Ertz is the second leading receiver on the team, with isn’t something that should be working. Adding Davante Adams to the mix just pushes the potential for this team to win the NFC East even higher, and that’s exactly what new ownership wants.
Realistically the Commanders aren’t in championship contention, but there’s a lot to like about rejuvenating Adams’ career in an offense on the way up. It also ensures he’ll get plenty of targets.
Arizona Cardinals
This team likes going three wide, but there are questions about the talent they have after Marvin Harrison Jr. Arizona would be a landing spot that wouldn’t impact the Raiders at all, while also putting Adams in a role where he can be a difference maker, and a mentor to Harrison Jr.
The biggest issue is whether this would be seen as a lateral move. The Cardinals have a lot of potential, but a lot of that has been unrealized in 2024. It’s highly likely that Arizona doesn’t mesh with what Adams is looking for, but they shouldn’t be counted out in a situation where fewer teams than expected end up making calls.
New York Jets
At this point the Jets will be in on anything, and everything that gets them closer to a championship. Adams checks all the boxes as being a difference maker on offense and having ample familiarity with Aaron Rodgers.
Would he be enough to turn the Jets into Super Bowl contenders? Not on his own, but he pushes this team closer — and they are all-in on making this work for one year and worrying about the future of the organization later.
Solely because of his relationship with Rodgers the Jets should be considered a favorite.
Green Bay Packers
Could a comical homecoming to Green Bay be on the cards? Don’t write it off.
The Packers are currently fighting to contend in a brutal NFC North and they’ve unfortunately ended up with a lot of players who aren’t living up to their potential. The Josh Jacobs splash turned into a drip, Christian Watson hasn’t progressed, and Jordan Love needs another target.
It’s unclear what the feelings are between these two parties, but it makes a lot of sense for Adams to return where it all began.
Indianapolis Colts
A wild card team are the Colts, who are swinging well above their weight class in 2024 thanks to coaching. There’s no doubt the team has solid WR talent in Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., but there’s very real wild card potential out there for the Colts if they can keep feeding their offense.
Adams’ vertical ability marries well with Anthony Richardson’s massive arm, and it could be the difference maker the team needs to get away from 2-2 and start putting up more wins. If that appeals to Adams then it could be a really compelling landing spot inside a Shane Steichen offense that could rejuvenate his career.
Three teams to watch if they can free up cap space
Kansas City Chiefs: Goes without saying with Rashee Rice being hurt
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson needs receivers, water remains wet
Pittsburgh Steelers: Could be a huge impact across from George Pickens with Calvin Austin III in the slot
