Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Davante Adams to NFC for 23-Year-Old Speedster
With the 2024 NFL regular season just around the corner, all eyes are on the Las Vegas Raiders, particularly regarding star wide receiver Davante Adams. Trade rumors have swirled around Adams since last year, and if the Raiders struggle early on, speculation about his future will intensify as the November 5 trade deadline approaches.
While the New York Jets have often been mentioned as a potential destination due to Adams’ connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team proposed an intriguing alternative: sending Adams to the Detroit Lions. In an August 29 article, Valentino noted, “Everyone wants to see Davante Adams on the Jets, and pairing him with Aaron Rodgers makes sense. But the Detroit Lions are America’s team right now, and adding the 31-year-old to the league’s most exciting offense is an even better fit. Detroit should go all-in, especially since their WR2 situation isn’t strong enough for a Super Bowl run.”
Under this proposal, the Raiders would receive a 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver Jameson Williams in return. Valentino explained, “Detroit’s cap situation is flexible enough to take on Adams’ $16 million base salary immediately, and with some minor adjustments, it would be a manageable deal long-term. Adams’ contract has no guaranteed money beyond this season, so a restructuring could make it even more favorable. For the Raiders, clearing $17.5 million in 2024 and over $36 million in 2025 and 2026 would be significant. Taking a chance on Jameson Williams could be the key to sealing the deal.”
For the Raiders, much depends on how they view Williams’ potential. Once a top prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams had a standout junior year at Alabama with 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, an ACL tear in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship delayed his NFL debut, and he missed 11 games in his rookie season with minimal impact. Last season, his first full year in the league, was marred by a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, leaving him with just 24 catches for 354 yards. While known for his speed at Alabama, it’s unclear if he can return to that explosive form post-ACL injury. However, given his limited NFL experience, there’s still hope for his potential.
As the Raiders face a crucial season, their decision to trade Adams may hinge on their early performance. If they are struggling by the trade deadline, moving Adams—who will turn 32 during the season and is set to occupy $44.1 million in cap space next year—might become a viable option. Whether the Raiders opt to go younger or stick with Adams will be a key storyline to follow up until the deadline.
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