Detroit Lions Land 3-Time All-Pro in Major Trade Proposal
The Detroit Lions are facing concerns with their wide receiver corps as they head into the 2024 season. Despite having a legitimate shot at contending for the Super Bowl, the team’s depth at the position remains questionable, and even their starting lineup raises some eyebrows.
At the center of the issue is Jameson Williams, Detroit’s No. 2 wide receiver. After two seasons in the NFL, Williams has yet to prove himself as a reliable weapon in the Lions’ offense. Meanwhile, Kalif Raymond is currently positioned to take the lead as the team’s primary outside receiver.
However, Raymond does not fit the typical mold of an “X” receiver, and head coach Dan Campbell has expressed a preference for limiting his snaps to keep him available for other roles. This uncertainty in the wide receiver room leaves Detroit vulnerable as they aim for a deep postseason run.
Amid these concerns, Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team has proposed a potential solution: a trade that would send Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams to Detroit. In return, the Lions would offer Jameson Williams and a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This trade could dramatically shift Detroit’s chances and provide a much-needed boost to their offensive firepower.
Valentino makes a compelling case for why Adams would be a perfect fit for the Lions, despite his age. He highlights that Adams has consistently been one of the top receivers in the NFL, with four consecutive seasons of at least 1,100 receiving yards and eight or more touchdowns, even while playing for the struggling Raiders.
“Despite spending the last two years in Las Vegas, Adams remains an incredible talent,” Valentino states. He emphasizes that Adams’ addition to Detroit’s already potent offense would maximize his remaining productive years.
Moreover, the Lions are in a solid financial position to take on Adams’ current salary of $16 million, with room to make adjustments in future seasons. Importantly, Adams’ contract carries no guaranteed money beyond 2024, allowing Detroit the flexibility to rework the deal to make it more attractive both for the player and the franchise.
In this trade scenario, the Raiders would benefit by offloading Adams’ hefty contract, saving $17.5 million in 2024 and more than $36 million combined in 2025 and 2026. For Las Vegas, the opportunity to invest in a younger, high-upside receiver like Williams—along with acquiring a second-round draft pick—would help set the foundation for a rebuild under new general manager Tom Telesco. With the team in a period of transition, the Raiders may be inclined to focus on the future rather than keeping a 31-year-old wideout whose best years may be behind him.
For the Lions, adding Adams wouldn’t necessarily fix all their depth problems at wide receiver, but it would be a major “win-now” move. As Valentino notes, while losing a second-round pick is not ideal, no one would complain if Adams helped lead the Lions to their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Adams’ experience and consistency would give Detroit an immediate upgrade over the unproven Williams and a much-needed veteran presence in a receiving corps that lacks stability.
Adams’ 2023 season wasn’t up to his usual standards, but Valentino attributes that more to the Raiders’ quarterback issues than any decline in Adams’ abilities. Despite working with Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell, Adams still managed to haul in 103 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns.
Given that kind of production under less-than-ideal circumstances, it’s easy to see how Adams could thrive in Detroit’s offense, which is far more explosive and consistent than Las Vegas’ attack.
Though the Raiders may not be eager to part with Adams right before the start of the season, Valentino believes this trade proposal is one they should seriously consider. With Telesco focused on building for the future, acquiring draft capital and a young talent like Williams—while clearing cap space—could be the right move for Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the Lions would position themselves as even stronger contenders in the NFC, with Adams potentially serving as the missing piece in their pursuit of a championship.
