6 potential landing spots for Davante Adams
Wide receiver Davante Adams reportedly informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he'd prefer to be sent to another team. The wideout has been the subject of trade rumors since the summer, but the Raiders shot down interest in the three-time first-team All-Pro - until Tuesday.
The Raiders would consider trading Adams for a package that includes a second-round pick and additional compensation, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Teams would also need to be able to afford his roughly $13.5 million salary.
Here are six teams that could come calling for the star receiver, including a pair of reunions:
Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl champions were already thin at wide receiver before Rashee Rice suffered a potential season-ending injury in Week 4. Rookie Xavier Worthy now sits atop the depth chart, with Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Skyy Moore providing insurance.
The 31-year-old would be Patrick Mahomes' best target since Tyreek Hill left for the Miami Dolphins. Adams would instantly stabilize the Chiefs' playmaking, which has been inconsistent through the first four weeks of the season.
That said, two big complications could prevent Adams from joining Kansas City: cap space - the Chiefs would need to free up over $10 million - and the fact that the teams are both in the AFC West. It seems unlikely that the Raiders would send that much skill to a divisional rival.
New York Jets
The first reunion on this list would pair Adams and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers up again. The duo was a force for years with the Green Bay Packers, connecting on 622 receptions for 7,590 yards and 69 touchdowns in 108 games together, according to Statmuse.
Cap space wouldn't be a big issue for the Jets - they currently have about $16.8 million to spare. However, things would become more complex if edge rusher Haason Reddick reports to the team, though there haven't been any updates on Reddick's status for weeks.
Adams would step in as an immediate starter, but how reps behind him and Garrett Wilson would be divvied up could be interesting. Mike Williams signed a one-year deal with the Jets in the offseason while Allen Lazard, another one of Rodgers' longtime targets, is under contract through 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were reportedly moments away from trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in August, so they could easily shift their focus to Adams.
His excellent route-running and ability to play all over the field would give George Pickens more chances for one-on-one deep balls, which is where he truly shines.
Depth behind Pickens was a concern ahead of the season and has been problematic despite Pittsburgh's 3-1 record. Calvin Austin III, who racked up 180 yards in 17 games with the Steelers last season, is currently second among the team's wide receivers with 125 yards. Van Jefferson sits behind him with 36 yards.
Pittsburgh would have to make cap space to facilitate a trade, but it would go a long way in helping the Steelers' offense keep pace with their excellent defense.
Dallas Cowboys
If there's anything Jerry Jones loves, it's making headlines. Acquiring a player like Adams would do exactly that and would be relatively easy from a 2024 salary cap perspective - Dallas boasts over $23 million in space. But keeping Adams on the roster in 2025 would likely require an extension or a reworked deal.
The wideout would also be a big help on the field. CeeDee Lamb has tallied 316 receiving yards through four games, but no one else on the Cowboys has more than 160. Adams lining up opposite Lamb would force opposing defensive coordinators to leave one of the two stars in a one-on-one matchup on most snaps.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders - who were also linked with Aiyuk - could be in play for Adams as well, especially with how well Jayden Daniels has played to start his NFL career. The second overall pick in April's draft has led more scoring drives this season (23) than he has incompletions (19).
Adding a weapon like Adams would elevate Washington's offense even more and force defenses to choose between doubling him or Terry McLaurin.
Washington also has $25.4 million in cap space. In addition, the Commanders have the second-most projected 2025 salary cap room at just over $121 million.
Green Bay Packers
The second of two reunions would see Adams rejoin the team on which he began his career as a second-rounder out of Fresno State. Adams' 669 receptions, 8,121 yards, and 73 touchdowns with the Packers rank second, fourth, and second, respectively, in franchise history.
All of Green Bay's wideouts are 25 years old or younger. Adams' experience, route-running savvy, and leadership could elevate young playmakers like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs while he climbs even higher on the franchise's leaderboards. Plus, Christian Watson could reportedly land on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.
The Packers wouldn't need to do much salary cap manipulation to acquire Adams, either: They currently have about $14.2 million in space.
Salary cap source: Over the Cap.
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