Star wide receiver Davante Adams has been the subject of trade talks for a sizable portion of the offseason, and those rumors won’t quiet down any time soon. Now entering his age-32 season, the three-time First-Team All-Pro is still a reliable player but is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. He’ll want to play for a contender, and there’s a good shot the Raiders won’t be too competitive in 2023. While they have some nice players, you can only go so far with a quarterback room comprised of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Raiders will consider a Davante Adams trade if the team struggles early in the year. This makes sense, as the wide receiver is effectively in the last year of his contract. While his current deal technically runs through the 2026 season, Adams carries a $44.1 million cap hit next year without any guaranteed money. Vegas won’t want to waste a great player like Adams, and Adams won’t want poor quarterback play lowering the value of his next deal. While an Aaron Rodgers reunion makes the most sense, the Chargers and Ravens could also make a push for him.
Don't be surprised if Davante Adams hits the trading block 🔄
h/t @MySportsUpdate https://t.co/Q6xMJAF0ks pic.twitter.com/5vRoFH6LHO
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) August 19, 2024
Report: A Davante Adams Trade Could Happen Midseason
Jim Harbaugh spent the offseason trying to rebuild the Los Angeles Chargers in his image, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. While he improved the offensive line with the selection of Joe Alt and should improve the defense with superior coaching, the wide receiver position is still a mess. Harbaugh and company parted ways with the high-priced duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams but didn’t replace them with anyone of note. Perhaps second-round pick Ladd McConkey turns into something, but 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston must defy the odds if he wants to avoid the ‘bust’ label.
If Johnston can’t turn it around or if McConkey can’t contribute from Day 1, this team could be in trouble. Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but he can’t keep up with Kansas City without more offensive help. A Davante Adams trade would immediately solve this problem, the only question is whether the Raiders would ever give a player like Adams to a division rival. While they probably wouldn’t like it, they could be willing to make a move since Adams is effectively in the last year of his deal.
Baltimore’s Offensive Firepower
The Baltimore Ravens offense will always be dangerous as long as Lamar Jackson is the quarterback. However, they could use some more firepower to keep up with the rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs. Zay Flowers showed some promise as a rookie but he might be better off as a WR2 than the focal point of an offense. Davante Adams is more than capable of being the top option in any offense, and a trade could give Baltimore the most dangerous attack in the league.
From an aerial standpoint, nobody can cover Adams, Flowers, and tight end Mark Andrews on every single play, especially with Jackson throwing the ball. On top of that, teams won’t be able to lock in on the passing game, as Jackson’s mobility and Derrick Henry’s ferocious running style will punish any defense that dares use a light box on early downs. Complemented by a talented defense, this could be enough for the Ravens to finally make a deep run in the postseason and hoist their first Lombardi Trophy since 2013.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
