Davante Adams’ tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders may be nearing its conclusion, as the star wide receiver has reportedly communicated a desire to be traded. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has stated that there is no immediate trade in the works, but the request signals a potential separation between Adams and the team. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that the Raiders would be open to a trade involving Adams, ideally in exchange for a second-round pick along with additional assets.
Adams’ trade request follows a curious incident where an Instagram account associated with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce liked a post suggesting a willingness to trade the receiver for the right offer. When questioned about the matter on FanDuel TV, Adams did not confirm any discussions with Pierce and remained tight-lipped about his future.
As one of the more compelling trade prospects in the NFL, Adams’ potential move could face obstacles related to his health and contract details. He missed the recent victory over the Cleveland Browns due to a hamstring injury, but his recovery status is classified as “week-to-week,” indicating it may not be a severe issue. In his first three games of the season, Adams recorded 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown, appearing healthy prior to his injury.
Contractually, Adams is in the third year of a five-year, $140 million deal he signed with the Raiders in 2022. Any team interested in acquiring him would be responsible for his remaining prorated base salary of $16.89 million for the 2024 season, as well as his future salaries of $35.64 million for 2025 and 2026, which are not guaranteed. The Raiders would also face a significant dead-money charge if they trade Adams, amounting to $7.85 million in 2024 and $15.7 million in 2025. Ultimately, any acquiring team may need to negotiate an extension or contract restructure to accommodate Adams’ financial impact, particularly if they have limited salary cap space for the upcoming season.