Raiders Not Planning To Trade Davante Adams
While GM announcements regarding trades involving key players have historically resulted in course corrections, new Raiders front office head Tom Telesco made a concerted effort to assure Davante Adams that he will not be traded this year.
Telesco said of Adams on Tuesday, “He’s a Raider.” Adams recently voiced interest about returning for a third season in Las Vegas, but following a run as the No. 1 receiver for playoff-bound Green Bay teams, the past two years have brought a step back from the spotlight — and more speculations about a possible departure.
This year. Although Pierce and Telesco were not in their current positions when the Raiders traded first- and second-round picks for Adams, it appears that the new regime intends to keep the All-Pro target as the team’s top wide receiver. This follows a previous story indicating that the Raiders had no intention of moving on from Adams, despite the changes that have occurred since his acquisition.
The Jets were mentioned as a potential suitor for Adams several times. The AFC East squad inquired in acquiring Adams, Mike Evans, or Tee Higgins. None of the inquiries gained any traction, but according to a December report, the Jets have been keeping an eye on Adams since trading for Aaron Rodgers. The two spent eight seasons together in Green Bay. Rodgers stated that he attempted to persuade Adams to stay with the Packers in 2022, but the latter chose to reconnect with college teammate and close buddy Derek Carr. That alliance lasted one year before Carr was cut by the Josh McDaniels-Dave Ziegler regime. Adams remained in Vegas, but expressed frustration in the last weeks of the McDaniels tenure.
While Adams appears to be more pleased with the Raiders’ arrangement under Pierce, his stats have dropped since 2022. Adams had 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, following a 1,516-yard debut with the Raiders that included an NFL-high 14 touchdown catches. Adams is a costly receiver on a club in transition, and the organization is desperate for a QB upgrade, as Pierce has stated. Adams will, however, reunite with former Packers assistant Luke Getsy in 2024.
