BREAKING: Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Davante Adams to NFC for 23-Year-Old Speedster
As the 2024 NFL regular season approaches, much attention will be on the Las Vegas Raiders, especially regarding star wide receiver Davante Adams. Trade rumors surrounding Adams have been swirling since last year, and if the Raiders struggle early on, speculation will only intensify as the November 5 trade deadline nears. While the New York Jets have often been mentioned as a potential landing spot due to Adams’ connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team has proposed a different scenario: a trade sending Adams to the Detroit Lions.
“Everyone wants to see Davante Adams on the Jets, and the idea of pairing him with Aaron Rodgers makes sense,” Valentino wrote in an August 29 column. “But the Detroit Lions are America’s team right now, so adding the 31-year-old to the league’s most exciting offense is a better fit. Detroit should be all-in, especially since their WR2 situation isn’t strong enough for a Super Bowl run.”
In this proposed trade, the Raiders would receive a 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver Jameson Williams from the Lions.
“Detroit’s cap situation is healthy enough to absorb Adams’ $16 million base salary immediately, and with some minor adjustments, they could make this deal work in the future,” Valentino explained. “Adams has no guaranteed money beyond this season, so restructuring his contract could make it more favorable.”
For the Raiders, this deal would clear $17.5 million from their books in 2024 and over $36 million in 2025 and 2026. Taking a chance on Jameson Williams, a young receiver with high potential, might be what makes this trade appealing for Las Vegas.
Does Jameson Williams Still Have Upside?
Jameson Williams was highly regarded in the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout junior year at Alabama, where he recorded 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his draft stock was affected when he tore his ACL during the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, leading him to miss 11 games in his rookie season, during which he had minimal impact.
Last season was his first full year in the NFL, but it was marred by a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. As a result, Williams only managed 24 catches for 354 yards. While he was known for his exceptional speed at Alabama, there are still questions about whether he can regain his explosiveness post-ACL injury.
Despite these concerns, it’s important to note that Williams has yet to experience a normal NFL season, and his college dominance still holds promise. In Ian Valentino’s proposed trade, the Raiders would receive Williams and a second-round pick. This scenario allows Las Vegas to take a chance on Williams’ potential while still securing a valuable draft asset, should the young receiver fail to reach his pre-injury form.
Should Las Vegas Raiders Go Younger?
The pressure is mounting for the Raiders to get off to a strong start this season. If they find themselves with a losing record by the trade deadline, they may need to make some difficult decisions. With Adams turning 32 during the season, it’s questionable whether the Raiders would want to commit $44.1 million in salary cap space to him next year.
The decision to trade Adams and shift toward a younger roster will likely hinge on the team’s early performance. If the Raiders are losing more games than they’re winning, Adams might also push for a trade. This will be a situation to monitor closely as the trade deadline approaches.