The biggest trade-deadline decision might have been a move that didn’t happen, as the Raiders rejected the Jets’ efforts to acquire receiver Davante Adams and instead cleaned house by firing coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler.
Las Vegas’ decision to hold onto Adams temporarily ended trade speculation surrounding the star, but “temporarily” is the word to keep in mind. The Raiders’ future remains uncertain entering 2024, with questions across the board from quarterback to head coach.
To this point, Adams has remained committed to the Raiders, and the team has remained committed to him. Would another disappointing season be enough to change that sentiment for at least one party? The Jets are certainly hoping that’s the case.
MORE: Latest updates on Aaron Rodgers’ potential return in 2023
Here are the latest rumors connecting Adams to Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Davante Adams trade rumors
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Jets plan to pursue Adams again in the offseason after failing to land him at the deadline.
According to Schefter, the chances of the Raiders trading Adams hinge on the team’s success down the stretch. If the Raiders “continue to prove they are headed in the right direction,” Adams would be more likely to want to stay in Las Vegas. On the other hand, Adams “ultimately could wind up requesting a trade” if he believes playing for the Jets would significantly increase his chances of winning, Schefter reports.
The Jets initially tried to land Adams at the Oct. 31 trade deadline, making a serious push for the three-time All-Pro amid a difficult season for the Raiders, but Las Vega rebuffed the efforts and instead made sweeping changes just hours later.
While those changes had many questioning why trading Adams wasn’t part of the overhaul, the Raiders have put a better product on the field in the weeks since. Las Vegas earned wins over the Giants and Jets to climb to back to .500, giving interim coach Antonio Pierce a legitimate chance at the full-time job.
The Jets, meanwhile, have suffered offensively without Rodgers, and their problems persisted in a “Sunday Night Football” loss to Adams and the Raiders. New York already has one standout receiver in Garrett Wilson, but that hasn’t proven to be enough for Zach Wilson.
Adams spent eight seasons in Green Bay with Rodgers, and the Jets’ dream certainly sounds like an Adams-Wilson duo for a 40-year-old Rodgers next season.
MORE: What led the Raiders to fire Josh McDaniels?
Davante Adams contract
Adams is under contract through 2026, so a trade will be necessary if he wants out of Las Vegas in the offseason. The star receiver signed a new five-year, $140 million deal when he was traded to the Raiders in 2022.
Las Vegas has a potential out in Adams’ contract after the 2024 season, according to Spotrac, and it’s not inconceivable that the out could be used considering Adams is due to cost $44 million against the cap in both 2025 and 2026. He also would be entering his age-32 season in 2025.
At this stage, though, Adams remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers, and a lack of guaranteed money on his contract past 2024 could give any potential suitors some peace of mind when weighing a trade for the star this offseason.
By expressing interest at multiple points, the Jets have clearly shown that they don’t see Adams’ contract as a major obstacle toward a deal.