Davante Adams’ tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders could be nearing its conclusion. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Adams has expressed a preference to be traded. Although he noted that “there is nothing imminent” regarding a potential trade, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo stated that the request sets the stage for a future separation.
Additionally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Raiders would be open to trading Adams if they receive a suitable offer, potentially including a second-round pick and more assets.
Adams’ trade request surfaced shortly after an Instagram account associated with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce liked a post suggesting the team might be willing to trade the veteran wide receiver for the right deal.
In an appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up and Adams” show on FanDuel TV, Adams shared that he had not discussed the situation with Pierce and remained tight-lipped about his future with the team. “All I can control is this talk we’re having right here,” he said, emphasizing his focus on the present.
As one of the more prominent trade candidates in the NFL, any potential deal involving Adams hinges on his health and contract conditions.
Adams missed the Raiders’ recent 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns due to a hamstring injury, which is currently considered “week-to-week,” indicating it may not be a long-term issue. In the first three games of the season, he made 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown, functioning as the primary target for Gardner Minshew, with no signs of hamstring troubles during those games.
Adams is currently in the third year of a five-year, $140 million contract he signed with the Raiders in 2022. A team trading for him would need to manage the prorated remainder of his $16.89 million base salary for the 2024 season, along with $35.64 million base salaries for the years 2025 and 2026, which are not guaranteed. His salary reduces by $938,333 for each game he participates in with the Raiders.
If traded, the Raiders would face a dead-money charge of $7.85 million in 2024 and $15.7 million in 2025. It is likely that any team acquiring Adams would aim to restructure or extend his contract to ease future salary cap impacts, which might require some creative financial planning, particularly if the destination team has limited salary cap space for the 2024 season.