Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The NFL world is buzzing after the October 1 news that both the Las Vegas Raiders and superstar wide receiver Davante Adams are open to a trade, sending shockwaves through the league. One of the most prominent teams emerging as a potential suitor? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on October 2, the Steelers have expressed interest in trading for Adams. “There have been discussions and both sides are keeping an open line of communication,” Russini revealed, heightening anticipation for what could become a blockbuster mid-season deal.
While Adams has also been linked to former quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets) and Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints), the Steelers’ need for a dynamic playmaker in their receiving corps makes them a serious contender.
What Would It Take for Pittsburgh to Land Adams?
Steelers correspondent Mike DeFabo, also with The Athletic, proposed a trade scenario on October 2 that would allow Pittsburgh to bring Adams into the fold without giving up too much of their future. The deal? A 2025 second-round pick heading to Las Vegas in exchange for Adams.
“The Steelers’ need at receiver is obvious,” DeFabo explained. “Before the season, Pittsburgh nearly traded for Brandon Aiyuk, even though it would have meant giving up significant compensation and paying the receiver more than star defender T.J. Watt. Having missed out on Aiyuk, the Steelers have been hurting for quality depth at the position. Pittsburgh receivers not named George Pickens have combined for just 19 catches for 226 yards through four games.”
A second-round pick in 2025 seems like a reasonable price given Adams’ talent and experience. However, DeFabo acknowledged that the Raiders might push for a more substantial package, which could include third-year wideout Calvin Austin III, along with an additional pick, likely in the third round of the 2025 draft.
How Would Adams’ Salary Fit Into the Steelers’ Plans?
Any team acquiring Adams will also need to consider the financial aspect of the deal. Adams has three years left on the five-year, $140 million contract he signed with the Raiders in 2022. His 2024 cap hit of $25.35 million is manageable, but the numbers rise significantly to $44.1 million in 2025 and $45.1 million in 2026.
Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan, known for his salary cap wizardry, would likely restructure Adams’ contract to make it more team-friendly. DeFabo noted that while there are outs built into the deal, such as the option to release Adams in 2026 and save $37.25 million, the Steelers would likely prioritize maximizing his talent on the field in the short term.
Adams’ contract wouldn’t be an easy fit, but Khan has built a reputation for finding creative solutions to salary cap issues, and this situation could be no different. If a trade for Adams happens, it’s reasonable to expect the Steelers to work out a restructuring plan to accommodate the star receiver without disrupting the core of the team.
Jets Loom as Steelers’ Biggest Competition
As the trade chatter heats up, the New York Jets are emerging as Pittsburgh’s main competition in the pursuit of Adams. With Aaron Rodgers lobbying for a reunion with his former Green Bay teammate, the Jets could have an edge in wooing the All-Pro receiver.
According to The Athletic’s Raiders reporter Tashan Reed, the Jets have already proposed a package that includes a 2025 third- and fifth-round pick, along with a 2026 fourth-rounder. While that offer is lighter on premium draft capital, the Rodgers factor looms large, as Adams has previously expressed a desire to reunite with the veteran QB.
However, Reed believes that Pittsburgh’s offer is the more compelling one for Las Vegas. “Barring Adams making things ugly, the Raiders would take the Steelers’ offer,” Reed wrote. “It’d make them worse this season, but between the cap space saved and the draft capital gained, they would set themselves up for future improvement.”
What’s Next?
As the November 5 trade deadline approaches, the Steelers will continue to monitor the situation, keeping their communication lines
