Davante Adams has become a major topic in the NFL after news broke on October 1 that both he and the Las Vegas Raiders are now open to a trade. Among the interested teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be a serious contender.
According to Dianna Russini from The Athletic on October 2, “The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in trading for Davante Adams, according to a source. There have been discussions, and both sides are keeping communication open.”
Adams has also been linked to other teams, including the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, where his former quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr currently play.
A potential trade proposal by The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo offers insight into what it might take for the Steelers to land Adams. He suggests:
Steelers receive: WR Davante Adams.
Raiders receive: A 2025 second-round pick.
DeFabo noted, “The Steelers have a clear need at receiver. Before the season, Pittsburgh nearly acquired Brandon Aiyuk, despite the cost in compensation and his higher salary compared to T.J. Watt. With that deal falling through, Pittsburgh’s receiving corps, excluding George Pickens, has struggled — managing only 19 catches for 226 yards over four games.”
While the Raiders may want more than a second-round pick, DeFabo believes Steelers GM Omar Khan will hold firm on his offer. As an alternative, DeFabo suggests including third-year receiver Calvin Austin III alongside a 2025 second- or third-round pick, depending on competition for Adams.
In terms of Adams’ contract, DeFabo pointed out that Khan has a history of manipulating the salary cap creatively. Adams is currently on a five-year, $140 million deal with three years remaining, including a $25.35 million cap hit in 2024. That number escalates to $44.1 million in 2025 and $45.1 million in 2026. The Steelers would likely restructure his deal if they acquired him. If things went wrong, Pittsburgh could save $36.25 million by designating Adams as a post-June 1 cut in 2025, though a more realistic option is parting ways in 2026 to save $37.25 million.
As for competition, the Jets could pose the biggest challenge due to Adams’ past relationship with Rodgers. New York’s hypothetical offer, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, includes 2025 third- and fifth-round picks and a 2026 fourth-round pick. With Adams potentially creating leverage by pushing for a reunion with Rodgers, the Raiders could be swayed, though Reed from The Athletic believes Pittsburgh’s offer makes the most sense.
Reed concludes that unless Adams forces a trade to the Jets, the Steelers’ package would benefit the Raiders by giving them draft capital and cap relief, positioning them better for the offseason, especially if they need to pursue a new quarterback.
