A mediocre season for the Las Vegas Raiders might have gotten a little worse, as star wide receiver Davante Adams told the team that he “preferred to be traded,” per Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet on “X”). Adams has been the victim of a quarterback carousel in Las Vegas, catching passes from ex-college teammate Derek Carr, Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, Aidan O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew II. Despite the inconsistent QB play, Adams has put up seasons of 1516 and 1144 receiving yards during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. The star wideout has also surpassed the 200-yard mark in 2024 with 209 yards and a score. Adams is entering year 3 of his 5-year, $140 million contract signed in the free agency period of 2022.
Where Could Adams Fit?
Chiefs:
The Kansas City Chiefs have been looking for a consistent wide receiver to pair with Travis Kelce ever since Tyreek Hill left for Miami. However, in 2023, it seemed like Rashee Rice, who put up a 900+ yard season in his rookie campaign, would fill in that gap. Early on in 2024, Rice has continued from where he started, putting up multiple 100+ yard performances. However, in the Chiefs’ Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rice suffered what appears to be a torn ACL. With Kelce’s decline in play and retirement looming, Adams would definitely fit right in and be WR1 on a perennial contender with Patrick Mahomes. Adams would also be an excellent role model for the young studs in Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
Bills:
The Bills are another team without a clear WR1, but rather using the “power of friendship” to get things done. They’re currently 3-1, with Khalil Shakir filling for the gaping hole left by Stefon Diggs as WR1. However, apart from Shakir, the wide receiver options have been lacklustre. Rookie wideout Keon Coleman has had drop issues downfield while also being unable to get separation off the line of scrimmage, specifically against press man. Davante Adams is known for getting separation while also being a superb route runner, so not only would he be a solid target for the Bills in the pass game, but he can provide value in mentoring the young receiving corps in Buffalo.
Sleeper Pick: Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a team that doesn’t have much cap space to even afford Davante Adams, and that is why they are the sleepers. If they are able to free up some cap space, perhaps they could add a star receiver in Davante Adams to take the pressure off of Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely. While these two receivers have been the bright spots in a lacklustre passing game, neither has 200+ receiving yards. Plus, with Mark Andrews seemingly on the decline, another weapon in the passing game to complement the running game is crucial, especially during play action plays where the defence is in man coverage. Lamar Jackson to Davante Adams would be an extremely entertaining duo.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, Davante Adams is still an impactful weapon despite his age. It’s clear he wants to compete, and any teams that see a need for an extra weapon to make that push for a Super Bowl clearer should make an attempt for him. While Antonio Pierce seemed to be the saving grace for the up and coming Raiders, it’s revealed that not all of their stars are happy to be there.