Davante Adams’ repeated insistence that he isn’t looking to leave Las Vegas stems from ongoing speculation about his future with the Raiders, especially given the team’s uncertain prospects. Despite Adams affirming his commitment during training camp and again at a recent news conference, rumors about a potential trade persist.
Several factors fuel this speculation. In the Netflix docuseries *”Receiver,”* Adams was candid about his frustrations with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, particularly during the first half of last season. This visible tension, combined with the Raiders’ low expectations for 2024 (projected to win only 6.5 games by BetMGM), leads many to question Adams’ long-term status.
Another key factor is his contract. Adams’ salary cap hit is set to skyrocket from $25.35 million in 2024 to a whopping $44.1 million in 2025 and 2026, according to Spotrac. If the Raiders fail to meet expectations and face a losing season, they could shift focus toward rebuilding, making a trade of their star receiver more plausible as they consider long-term cap flexibility.
Adams’ elite talent is undeniable, but if the Raiders struggle early, rumors about his future will likely intensify, despite his public reassurances.
The idea of the Raiders trading Davante Adams to free up cap space and gain assets becomes more plausible as both the team and Adams find themselves in uncertain positions. As Adams nears 32, the possibility of him wanting to finish his career with a contending team may grow stronger, especially given the frustrations he’s faced in Las Vegas.
Adams’ transition from the Green Bay Packers, where he had a strong rapport with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, to the Raiders in March 2022, marked a stark change in his situation. With the Packers, Adams was consistently competing for deep playoff runs, but since joining the Raiders, he has endured a less successful stint—14-20 over two seasons and limited postseason action. The Raiders have only made the playoffs twice in the last 21 years, further amplifying the gap between where Adams was and where he is now.
In Las Vegas, Adams has cycled through a series of quarterbacks—Derek Carr, Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, and rookie Aidan O’Connell—and will now start the 2024 season with journeyman Gardner Minshew. None of these quarterbacks measure up to Rodgers’ elite caliber, and the revolving door at the position has likely contributed to Adams’ frustrations.
Given the Raiders’ struggles and Adams’ desire to be part of a competitive environment, trading him could be a logical move for both sides if the team starts poorly. Las Vegas could use the opportunity to rebuild, while Adams might prefer to join a team with realistic Super Bowl aspirations as he enters the twilight of his career.
