As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders face a tough decision: whether to hold on to star wide receiver Davante Adams or sell high and move on from his hefty contract. Adams, now 31, remains one of the league’s elite receivers, but the Raiders’ middling status makes his massive salary a complicated asset. With 103 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns last season, Adams proved his value, even with inconsistent quarterback play from Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell.
The Raiders have expressed reluctance to part ways with their six-time Pro Bowler, but trading Adams before the November 5 deadline could be the ideal opportunity for Las Vegas to recoup significant value and free up cap space. His production, even on a team struggling for relevancy, will have playoff contenders salivating.
Among those contenders, the New York Jets have been a widely speculated landing spot due to Adams’ strong connection with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers leading a Jets squad aiming for a Super Bowl run, adding a receiver of Adams’ caliber would be an enticing proposition.
However, another potential suitor has emerged: the Detroit Lions. Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team recently floated the idea of Detroit making a move for Adams, describing it as a way to “save Adams from playing in Vegas for another year” while supercharging Detroit’s potent offense.
The Lions, who selected wide receiver Jameson Williams with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, could offer the young receiver as part of a package to the Raiders. Williams has struggled with injuries and has only played in 18 games over his first two seasons, tallying 25 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the slow start to his career, Williams’ potential is undeniable, and he fits better with the Raiders’ longer-term timeline for success.
Williams alone would not be enough to acquire Adams, so Detroit would likely need to include additional assets, such as a second or third-round draft pick. The Lions currently possess a second-round and fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could sweeten the deal.
Moving Adams would relieve the Raiders of substantial financial commitments. By trading him, Las Vegas could clear $17.5 million off their books in 2024 and over $36 million in 2025 and 2026. This type of cap relief, combined with the upside of Williams and a high draft pick, could be enough to persuade the Raiders to part ways with one of the NFL’s top receivers.
For the Lions, adding Adams would bolster their already explosive offense and turn them into a legitimate contender for the NFC crown. For the Raiders, it would signal a shift toward the future, with a focus on rebuilding around younger, cheaper talent. As great as Adams still is, his time in Las Vegas could be running out, with a trade making sense for all parties involved.
