A resolution to Davante Adams The situation could happen soon, but the Raiders might have to make a concession on one of two fronts. The team is asking for a package involving a second-round pick in a trade for Adams, and Vegas is hoping to avoid retaining part of his remaining salary for 2024.
If the Raiders want their asking price in terms of recruiting capital to be met – which they are reportedly insisting on – a lower financial cost will be necessary for an acquiring team. Veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports that teams interested in adding Adams consider it “unrealistic” to send a Day 2 pick to Vegas while also taking care of the rest of Adams’ salary. That figure would rise to $11.92 million if a deal is reached this week with no retentions.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones confirms that Adams’ trade deal will likely force the Raiders to eat up some of the six-time Pro Bowler’s bumper compensation package before a deal is reached. Vegas would obviously prefer to avoid doing that, but with nearly $27 million in cap space, the team has the flexibility to go that route provided it becomes conditional on a trade. A number of suitors are in place, but the field of suitors could widen if the financial cost of an Adams acquisition were to be reduced.
As expected, the Jets and Saints are at the top of the list of teams to watch in this deal, with New Orleans having been the most aggressive in pursuing a deal. Weekend report said Adams had quarterback concerns Aaron Rodgers future in New York beyond 2024, which could contribute to a reunion between the two. Adams is under contract through 2026, but the lack of guaranteed money after the current year essentially makes him a rental as things stand.
If the three-time All-Pro were to consider an extended stay with a new team, a restructuring would be necessary. That, in turn, would undoubtedly involve at least some guaranteed money being added for 2025 while reducing his future caps. With Adams, 31, running out of time to land any future big contracts, Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson predicts his financial outlook will be a key factor in determining where he lands (in addition to trade terms being worked out between the Raiders and an acquiring team, of course).
Robinson adds that Adams isn’t as well-liked in league circles as he once was. The Fresno State product topped 1,100 yards passing five times between 2018 and 2023, and his average of 69.7 yards per game this season nearly matches his career average. Still, his age and the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined the past two games — but should be fully healed in time for Week 6 — threaten to limit the numbers for teams like the Jets or the Saints (in addition to other potential suitors like the Steelers). , Bills, Ravens and Commanders) are ready to commit.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said the situation has not changed regarding Adams’ health or his business status (video link). Consistent with his previous stance on the matter, he declined to comment on the reasoning behind last week’s Adams trade request, which emerged amid reports that Vegas was making contact with other teams. Whether or not a deal is reached with any of them anytime soon remains a major midseason storyline.