Davante Adams: Where Next?
Six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams appears ready to part ways with the Las Vegas Raiders. Frustration has been brewing for some time, and as he enters the latter stage of his career, Adams seems to have adopted a win-now mentality. With his window for a deep playoff run narrowing, a trade may be his best option. However, the Raiders won’t part with their star receiver without a hefty return.
Current speculation suggests the Raiders would demand a couple of second-round picks and a receiver to fill the void left by Adams. While teams like the Chiefs desperately need a wide receiver—especially with Rashee Rice possibly sidelined for the season—Vegas is unlikely to deal with a division rival unless presented with an offer they can’t refuse, such as multiple first-round picks. So, where might Adams land? Let’s take a look at the teams best positioned to make a move.
New York Jets
The New York Jets stand out as one of the most obvious landing spots for Davante Adams, especially since Adams himself has expressed interest in reuniting with his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Their connection from their days in Green Bay could once again flourish in New York. So far, the Jets' offense hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Their Week 4 performance against Denver was particularly disappointing, ending in a 10-9 loss. While poor weather played a role, it’s clear the Jets could use an additional offensive weapon to boost their 2-2 record. Garrett Wilson, highly praised before the season, has gotten off to a slow start, while Allen Lazard—another former Packer—seems to have stronger chemistry with Rodgers. Adding Adams to the mix could be a game-changer for the Jets, especially with Nathaniel Hackett, former Packer OC, now serving as the Jets offensive coordinator. If all the pieces fall into place, Adams reuniting with Rodgers in New York might be the perfect fit. This seems like the most likely option for Davante Adams.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are another strong contender for Davante Adams. He already has a solid rapport with Saints quarterback Derek Carr, as the two not only played together with the Raiders but also shared the field during their college days. On top of that, Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams was Adams’ personal WR coach, further strengthening the connection between the player and the organization. This is one reason why Adams reportedly requested a trade to New Orleans.
The Saints’ offense has shown flashes of explosiveness, especially in the first two weeks of the season, but they’ve struggled recently with back-to-back losses to the Eagles and divisional rivals, the Falcons. Despite having only $3.27 million in cap space, New Orleans could still make the financial moves necessary to accommodate Adams. Currently sitting in third place in the NFC South, the Saints need a spark if they hope to make a playoff push, and adding Adams alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed could provide the boost they need.
Pittsburg Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another team that could benefit from adding Davante Adams. Earlier in the season, the Steelers were in the market for a wide receiver and nearly acquired Brandon Aiyuk. However, that deal fell through when Aiyuk chose to stay with the San Francisco 49ers, signing a four-year, $120 million extension.
Defensively, the Steelers have performed well, which has helped them achieve a 3-1 record. However, their offense remains a significant area of concern. If Pittsburgh can ignite its offense, they could be poised for a solid playoff run. The team is currently led by quarterback Justin Fields, who is raising some questions about consistency and leadership, especially with Russell Wilson stepping into a diminished role after his recent calf injury.
At the moment, George Pickens is the Steelers' only true offensive weapon, and while he’s talented, the team needs more firepower to become a legitimate contender. Adding Adams to the receiving corps would instantly provide the offensive boost Pittsburgh needs to complement its strong defense.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are off to a red-hot start, sitting at 3-1 after winning three straight games. Their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, is quickly emerging as this year’s version of C.J. Stroud, showing poise and talent far beyond his years. If Washington is serious about making a deep playoff run, adding a veteran playmaker like Davante Adams could be the move to solidify their offense.
Earlier in the season, the Commanders were eyeing Brandon Aiyuk, but that deal never materialized. With Adams potentially available, Washington might consider targeting him to boost their offense. However, there’s a catch: Adams turns 32 in December, and the Commanders may hesitate to part with valuable draft picks for a receiver nearing the twilight of his career.
That said, if the Commanders feel they’re one elite weapon away from becoming a true contender, Adams could be exactly what they need to complement their young quarterback and push them into serious playoff contention. As it stands, the Commanders are at the top of their division, and Adams could help them stay in pole position.
