Oh, where will Davante Adams go?
The 2024 NFL season has already provided plenty of shockers, and we’re barely four weeks in. The Cincinnati Bengals have had a disastrous start to the campaign. They are sitting at 1-4 despite the best-ever start to a season from top-three quarterback Joe Burrow. The Washington Commanders meanwhile have defied their preseason odds of +30000. Genuine contenders to win the stacked NFC East, they sit at 4-1 thanks to the brilliance of rookie QB Jayden Daniels.
One thing that hasn’t been a surprise however is the continued dominance of the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has continued to lead his ship safely through troubled waters. He is aiming to claim the first three-peat in NFL history after lifting the Lombardi for the second straight year at Super Bowl LVIII back in January.
However, another story has emerged in recent weeks with superstar wide receiver Davante Adams. He is requesting to be traded from the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Fresno State standout is arguably one of the finest wideouts in the entire league. Several teams are thought to be weighing up a move for the 31-year-old. Due to his huge wage demands, there are only a few viable destinations. Which of them could make the move before the trade deadline?
New York Jets
The New York Jets have been a hot topic in the ongoing Adams trade saga. This is primarily due to the presence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The pair share a storied history from their time with the Green Bay Packers. The duo formed one of the most formidable QB-WR double-acts in the league during their time at Lambeau Field. There can be no denying that the Green Machine’s offense has been downright awful so far this term. It is so bad in fact that it cost head coach Robert Saleh his job.
So far this season, the Jets have amassed a paltry 93 points so far this season. This was good enough for two wins from their first five games. That poor form has seen the Big Apple outfit drift in the odds on football betting at Bovada, with their Lombardi dreams now being priced at a lengthy +2800. However, the undeniable chemistry between A-Rod and his most trusted receiver in Wisconsin could seamlessly translate to the Jets and potentially revitalize their season.
With former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett now in the same position with the Jets, the offensive system would be familiar to Adams, potentially easing any transition. From a strategic standpoint, the MetLife outfit’s need for a reliable target is evident. After all, their receiving corps has struggled with consistency. There can be no question that Garrett Wilson certainly has potential. But, the addition of Davante Adams could take the pressure to provide the explosive plays off of the 24-year-old and into a more experienced – and potentially dependable – pair of hands needed to elevate their passing game.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints present another appealing destination, largely due to his previous rapport with quarterback Derek Carr. The two played together in their college days at Fresno State, before reuniting once again in Sin City. A third reunion and a chance to build on that existing relationship could be a key factor in Adams’ decision-making process.
The Louisiana outfit has shown a willingness to be aggressive in their pursuit of talent. This was a necessity given their current offensive struggles. Despite starting the season strong, much of their success has been built off of the ground game particularly running back powerhouse Alvin Kamara. Adding Adams would make the Saints a dual threat, taking the pressure off of the rush and providing Carr with a much-needed option in the air.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another team expressing interest in Adams. They seek to solidify their position atop the AFC North. Many expected them to struggle this season, especially on offense. So far, the often-maligned Justin Fields has managed to steer his team to a 3-2 record. However, much of their success has been built on a staunch defense that has given up just 73 points this season, the joint lowest in the league alongside the Denver Broncos.
If the Yellow Wall currently has a 3-2 record without much of an offense, imagine what they could be with Davante Adams in their ranks. It would give Fields a much-needed primary target while taking plenty of pressure off their vaunted defense’s ability to soak up pressure. While they don’t have much wiggle room when it comes to cap space, finding room for the Raider would certainly aid in Pittsburgh’s daunting task of holding off Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens in the battle for the AFC North.
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Featured Image: L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
