Heading into the 2024 NFL season, it was widely accepted that we’re in an era dominated by elite wide receivers. With one record-breaking contract after another, the league appeared to be led by dynamic pass-catchers whose value skyrocketed in recent years. Yet, just three weeks into the season, the narrative has shifted dramatically — NFL passing statistics are at their lowest point in 20 years.
Perhaps the writing was on the wall for some time. The Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the last two Super Bowls, did so without a star wide receiver on the roster. In 2023, not a single Chiefs player surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, further signaling a shift away from wide receiver-driven success.
However, there are still a few wide receivers that teams should take a swing at — and one of those is Las Vegas Raiders superstar Davante Adams. The Washington Commanders, in particular, could be eyeing a game-changing move ahead of the November 5 trade deadline.
Commanders in Need of WR Firepower?
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, teams like the Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, and Cowboys are all seeking to add a talented wide receiver to bolster their offenses. And if the Commanders truly want to elevate their passing attack, Adams should be at the top of their wishlist.
Adams, a three-time All-Pro wide receiver, recently praised Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on “The Up and Adams Show,” expressing admiration for the No. 2 overall pick. Daniels, leading Washington to a 2-1 start, has garnered attention around the league with back-to-back wins over the Giants and Bengals.
“(Daniels) is a special player,” Adams told host Kay Adams. “We were hoping that all the teams didn’t think so and he could slip to the Raiders (in the draft).”
Adams’ comments sparked speculation about his interest in playing alongside Daniels. Could the Commanders capitalize on this and make a blockbuster move for the star receiver?
Davante Adams looks like he wants out… 😳 pic.twitter.com/0zTtqR69vJ
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 22, 2024
The Raiders’ Bleak Reality
For the Raiders, parting with Adams might be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a move that could set them up for long-term success. Head coach Antonio Pierce and owner Mark Davis must recognize that their current trajectory doesn’t look promising, especially with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Raiders are in desperate need of a rebuild and will likely need to wait until the 2025 draft to find a franchise quarterback.
In a division loaded with top-tier coaching talent and Super Bowl-winning teams, the Raiders have been stuck in limbo. They haven’t won a playoff game in over two decades, and a rebuild centered around acquiring future draft capital could be their best path forward. Trading Raiders Davante Adams would give them a head start in stockpiling picks for the future.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Sides
For the Commanders, securing a talent like Adams could propel them to immediate contender status. They have the quarterback of the future in Daniels, and adding an elite weapon like Adams to the mix would maximize their offensive potential. Washington’s primary focus should be on winning now and ensuring they don’t waste any time with Daniels under center.
On the Raiders’ side, dealing Adams would be painful, but it aligns with their need to rebuild and accumulate assets for the future. And for the Commanders, the price for Adams might be manageable, especially given his age and contract situation.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
The Raiders acquired Adams in 2022 by sending the Green Bay Packers a first-round and second-round pick. Now, two years later, Adams is 31 years old and signed through the 2026 season on a five-year, $140 million contract. Despite putting up over 1,100 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, Adams’ trade value has likely diminished slightly due to his age and high salary.
That said, a few trade proposals that could work for both sides include:
– Commanders receive Davante Adams in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick.
– Commanders receive Davante Adams in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 third-round pick obtained from Philadelphia in the Jahan Dotson trade.
For Washington, the chance to add Adams might be too tempting to pass up. For Las Vegas, moving on from Adams could finally allow them to begin the rebuild they desperately need.
Will Washington Take the Leap?
As the November 5 trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Commanders and their potential pursuit of a game-changing wide receiver. With Jayden Daniels at the helm, adding a superstar like Davante Adams could be the key to pushing Washington deep into playoff contention. Will the Commanders take the risk and pull off a blockbuster trade, or will Adams remain in Las Vegas as the Raiders navigate a murky future?
Time will tell, but the possibility of Adams joining the Commanders could shift the balance of power in the NFC.
