Early in the Davante Adams trade market, the New York Jets appear to be preparing a pursuit of the wide receiver. Having been linked to Adams since acquiring Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have contacted the Raiders regarding the disgruntled receiver, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
The Dallas Cowboys have also reached out, suggesting a potential competitive trade market. Adams is reportedly interested in joining the Jets, with veteran NFL reporter Jordan Schultz noting the team is one of his preferred destinations.
Rodgers has been pushing the Jets to make the trade, per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, with other teams expected to join the mix. While details about additional suitors remain unclear, Pauline mentions that the Bills, Saints, and Steelers are among the most interested parties.
The Raiders, seeking a package centered around a second-round pick, seem willing to wait. Although Adams wants out now due to frustrations stemming from the Jimmy Garoppolo signing, the team has until November 5, the newly extended trade deadline, to work out a deal. It’s unlikely Adams will play before then.
If a first-round pick is offered, Pauline suggests that it would likely seal the deal, although Adams’ age (32 by season’s end) and high salary are considerations. Still, he remains one of the top wide receivers potentially available ahead of the deadline.
Although Adams had previously resisted the idea of a trade, his stance has shifted. Tensions escalated after Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce liked a social media post about a possible Adams trade. According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Adams formally requested a trade on Monday.
Schultz notes that Adams’ camp approached the Raiders last season but did not follow through with an official request at the time. Adams, now dissatisfied with the team’s trajectory, wants out, with the Raiders drifting further from championship contention.
Adams’ difficulties in Las Vegas began when the team moved on from quarterback Derek Carr after just one season with the receiver. Having spent his entire Green Bay career with Rodgers, Adams has seen the Raiders go through several quarterbacks, and the fit with Garoppolo has been the most problematic.
Temporary solutions like Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew have left Adams in limbo, while an effort to trade up for quarterback Jayden Daniels did not pan out. This trade request has now set off one of the most intriguing races of the year.
While teams like the Bills, Saints, Steelers, and Cowboys remain in the mix, a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs seems unlikely due to their divisional rivalry with the Raiders. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City is not expected to be a viable landing spot for Adams, despite the Chiefs’ need for a top-tier receiver after losing Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown to injuries.
Adams is reportedly open to joining the Saints, a move that would reunite him with Carr, his former Fresno State teammate and close friend. The Saints, sitting at 2-2 after a mix of impressive wins and close losses, are in need of a receiver to complement Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Despite having just $2.8 million in cap space, New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis has a track record of maneuvering around cap limitations. The Bills, similarly strapped for cap space at $3.7 million, may also have room to negotiate if the Raiders agree to absorb part of Adams’ prorated $16.9 million base salary.
Buffalo, having struggled through the first four weeks without a true No. 1 receiver, might explore receiver options before the deadline. While Khalil Shakir has shown promise and second-round pick Keon Coleman is developing, the Bills were previously interested in DeAndre Hopkins and could look for upgrades. Meanwhile, the Steelers, who missed out on acquiring Brandon Aiyuk after reaching trade terms with the 49ers, might also make a move for Adams despite their usual reluctance to pursue high-profile receivers.
The Cowboys, long searching for a reliable complement to CeeDee Lamb since trading Amari Cooper, may also be serious contenders. Dallas’ pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr. in 2022 and its trade for Brandin Cooks earlier this year highlight the team’s ongoing desire to strengthen its wide receiver group. With $23.8 million in cap space, the Cowboys could be in a favorable position to Acquire Adams.
As for the Jets, the combination of their head coach and general manager facing pressure and the perception that this is now a Rodgers-centric team makes them a natural fit. Even after signing Mike Williams in March, the Jets are expected to make a strong push for Adams, as Rodgers has expressed a desire to reunite with his former No. 1 target. With $16.8 million in cap space, the Jets appear well-positioned to make an aggressive offer.
