Davante Adams reportedly has his sights set on a reunion.
The superstar receiver requested a trade earlier this week, according to multiple reports. The Las Vegas Raiders, once reluctant to trade Adams, are now shopping the 31-year-old in hopes of netting at least a Day 2 draft pick.
Thursday morning provided a new update, with NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport revealing which team is atop Adams’ wishlist.
What’s the Latest Davante Adams Trade Rumor?
Adams spent the first eight seasons of his career catching passes from Aaron Rodgers while with the Green Bay Packers. And, per Rapoport, Adams hopes to reunite with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“If Davante Adams gets his wish, he’ll eventually be a member of the New York Jets, playing with his friend and four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Aaron Rodgers,” Rapoport wrote.
“New York is where the Raiders star wants to play after informing the team on Monday he prefers to be traded, multiple sources say. But Adams has not demanded as much from Las Vegas, and this is not a scenario like Rodgers’ in 2023 when the quarterback informed the Packers he would only play for the Jets.”
Rapoport added that Adams is open to playing for other organizations as well. Multiple reports indicate Adams also would welcome a trade to the New Orleans Saints so he could reunite with Derek Carr.
“According to sources informed of Adams’ thinking, he is open to playing for several other teams,” Rapoport wrote.
“The New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and perhaps the San Francisco 49ers are among teams that either have inquired about the six-time Pro Bowler or are places Adams would be happy landing.”
Has Davante Adams played his LAST down as a #Raider? 😳
Adams: "All I can control is the next thing I'm on to." @tae15adams @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/sWU873ha8B
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 1, 2024
Adams sat out Week 4 due to a hamstring injury that could sideline him for additional games. Rapoport noted Vegas might not receive any official offers until Adams is healthy enough to play.
However, Rapoport also said a trade could be completed as soon as next week, so we might not have to wait much longer to learn how this story ends. But what would teams like the Jets have to offer to land Adams?
What Do Raiders Want in a Trade for Adams?
This is where it gets tricky.
Adams still is one of the NFL’s top receivers when healthy. He caught 103 balls for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns last season and was on pace for another 100-catch, 1,100-yard campaign before injuring his hamstring.
But durability must be a concern with Adams set to turn 32 in December. The recent track record of star receivers in their early 30s isn’t great — Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, and A.J. Green come to mind.
And then there’s Adams’ contract. He carries a base salary of $17 million this season, roughly $1 million per game. But his $35.6 million salary for 2025 will need to be reworked by the Raiders or Adams’ next team, according to Rapoport.
Davante Adams' salary goes berserk over the next two years, which will limit the number of teams that can take on his contract (unless he renegotiates). The team that has both the need and the cap space: Washington. pic.twitter.com/VfIFQ7Ui4d
— Paul Charchian (@PaulCharchian) October 1, 2024
With all that in mind, Adams is no longer an asset that would net a first-round pick in a trade. Nevertheless, the Raiders are still hoping for a valuable pick in return.
“The Raiders are looking for at least a second-round pick as compensation for Adams, who originally drew a first- and second-round pick in a 2022 trade from the Packers,” Rapoport wrote. “Adams, the former All-Pro, would be the highest profile player currently on the trade market.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Raiders are seeking a second-round pick but also want “additional compensation.”
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. In the meantime, you can check out our updated list of Adams’ trade destinations.