Every team in the NFL would love to have a talent like Davante Adams. The 31-year-old Las Vegas Raiders wideout is one of the most polished route runners to ever put on a pair of cleats. However, although Adams is spectacular, that alone doesn’t mean it automatically makes sense for teams league-wide to pay his salary and spend assets to acquire him.
Adams has two years left on his contract after this season and, in the meantime, his cap hit will progressively skyrocket. This year his cap hit is placed at $25.3 million, but next year it will almost double to $44.1 million. Because of this jump, teams are less likely to trade more draft capital with the Raiders.
With the above in mind, trading Adams could actually make some sense. Still, nobody wants to lose a talent like him.
Las Vegas Raiders: The pros and cons of trading Davante Adams
Con 1: Adams is the best wide receiver in the NFL
Of course, arguments could be made for other players such as Justin Jefferson or Tyreek Hill. However, when Adams had a higher-caliber quarterback, he was undoubtedly the best at his position. Losing a player of this stature without seeing his full capability due to inferior quarterback play would be tragic.
Despite having a middle-of-the-pack quarterback in Derek Carr, Adams recorded over 1,500 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. The next year, with a fourth-round pick under center, the Fresno State alum still managed to total 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns.
Imagine the potential if the Raiders could acquire a franchise quarterback.
Pro 1: Davante Adams and Antonio Pierce don’t get along
Social media exploded when Antonio Pierce liked a post which insinuated that Adams will no longer play for the Raiders. Adams would appear on a podcast the following morning, clueless to why Pierce would do such a thing.
“I haven’t heard from him,” Adams said. “I don’t really know what that was about.” A topic that gained this much media attention should have been discussed.
Kay: "I hope you hear from your coach today."
Davante: "Yeah… I do too." ?@tae15adams @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/7a7l7wHpQD
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 1, 2024
Con 2: The Raiders will not get a return on their investment
Before the 2022 season began, Las Vegas traded a first and a second-round pick of that year’s draft to acquire Adams. At that time, Adams was 29 and in his prime, but at this point he has likely passed his best years. Now the team is only looking to get a second-round pick according to reports.
Not only did the Raiders waste a first-round pick, but also cap space over multiple years out.
Hopefully the team can receive draft capital and a promising player for Adams. Otherwise, this will mean that the 2022 trade could have been avoided. With this mindset, trading their star wideout would not make any sense for the Raiders.
Pro 2: cap space could be used elsewhere
Despite not having Adams available last Sunday, the Raiders were able to spread the field and have one of their best offensive games. Obviously, this is not saying much due to Las Vegas’ glaring offensive struggles so far, but the team was noticeably better against the Browns.
Adams cap number is extremely high next season and could be spent in a different direction.
Correspondingly, there are plenty of upcoming star free agent receivers such as Stefon Diggs and Tee Higgins. Money could be spent to increase the defensive production or the offensive line’s efficiency as well. This is probably the largest reason a trade should happen; Adams has zero guaranteed money on his contract after this season.
*Top Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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