With the drama finally over, Davante Adams reunites with Aaron Rodgers in the hopes of winning a championship. Las Vegas traded Adams for a conditional third-round draft pick in the upcoming draft. On the bright side, the Raiders received what they wanted in the ability to receive a second rounder. If the wideout leads the team to the Super Bowl or if he is All-Pro, this pick from the New York Jets could become a second rounder.
Rodgers hopes to succeed, although his team currently has one of the worst records in the NFL. Adams already appears excited to join a new team (surprise, surprise). In fact, Adams crashed the “set” of the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday; clearly he’s ready to go.
Back together
pic.twitter.com/0goBOf5V2F— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2024
Financial Changes
It appears that the Raiders have achieved their desired outcome, as they will not be paying his remaining salary. However, the team will still receive a dead-cap hit for the next two seasons. Without having Adams on the roster, the Raiders possess immense financial flexibility.
NFL TRADE#Jets Acquire
WR Davante Adams
2024: $11.59M ($11.2M g'teed)
2025: $36.25M (non-g'teed)
2026: $36.25M (non-g'teed)#Raiders Dead Cap
2024: $13.67M
2025: $15.7M— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 15, 2024
There are many free agents this offseason currently on the Raiders roster that should be retained. This list includes Robert Spillane, Trevon Moehrig, and Malcolm Koonce. Despite many players probably leaving the Raiders this offseason, 2025 will provide over $100 million in cap space. If the current regime remains intact, this will be their most important offseason yet.
Raiders Need To Look To The NFL Draft
Realistically, after watching the Raiders play for six weeks, it is evident that this will not be a successful season. Injuries and struggles plague both sides of the football, so let’s look ahead. The Kansas City Chiefs will always be in the division and are not slowing down. Las Vegas will never compete with the defending champions without stellar quarterback play.
At the deadline, multiple teams will be requesting players from the current roster. Raiders need to entertain every conversation not involving Maxx Crosby. In addition to rookies and second-year players, the Raiders should shop every other player to maximize their draft capital. Raider fans should begin to enjoy watching college football because that will be the future of this team. There are outstanding players such as Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Cam Ward.
While it is disheartening to lose another season, this could potentially be the Raiders’ first truly dreadful year. Being mediocre is one of the worst possible outcomes in the NFL—it means no playoffs and an average draft pick. Las Vegas needs to take advantage of this opportunity.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders Trade Davante Adams: In The End, This Is How It Had To Be