“All I can control is this talk we’re having right here and after we’re done with this all I can control is the next thing that I’m on to.” These words from Davante Adams on Kay Adams’ show Tuesday might be his final statement as a Las Vegas Raider. The three-time All-Pro receiver’s saga has taken a dramatic turn, with Adams reportedly setting his sights on a Jets reunion with Aaron Rodgers.
This comes after the Raiders traded away quarterback Derek Carr, a move seen by many as a betrayal to Adams, who had joined the team partly to reunite with Carr.
ESPN dropped the bombshell on October 2: The Raiders are officially shopping their star receiver. They’re asking for a second-round pick plus additional compensation – a far cry from the first- and second-round picks they shipped to Green Bay just 18 months ago. But here’s the kicker – Albert Breer reports that teams in the Adams sweepstakes are convinced he’s pulling the strings toward a Jets landing spot.
Teams involved Davante Adams’ market have become convinced the Raiders star is focused on engineering a trade to the Jets. The Bills and Steelers are among those who’ve inquired with Vegas on Adams, per sources.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 2, 2024
The timing couldn’t be more theatrical. Adams missed Sunday’s game against Cleveland with a hamstring injury – his first absence in Silver and Black. He watched from the sidelines as his replacement, DJ Turner, scored his first career touchdown in the Raiders‘ 20-16 victory. Sometimes the NFL writes its scripts.
Remember the good old days? Adams and Rodgers were practically unstoppable in Green Bay. Their connection produced video game numbers: 669 catches, 8,121 yards, and 73 touchdowns over eight seasons. “The thought of playing with Aaron is obviously amazing,” Adams confessed on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast back in June. “It helps when they’re the best to ever play the game — or at least that’s how I feel.”
The cracks in Vegas started showing during Netflix’s “Receiver” series. Adams’ sideline explosion spoke volumes: “I gotta get the f— out of here before I lose my f—ing life. I ain’t never been hit this many f—ing times in my career.” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce’s diplomatic response? “Davante signed up for the show, there were things said and shown and it is what it is. You can’t erase it.”
Why are the raiders ready to move on?
The numbers tell a brutal truth. Adams’ 2024 stats through three games: 18 catches, 209 yards, one touchdown. Half of that production came in a single Week 2 outburst against Baltimore. His $17.5 million salary this year ($13.5 million still owed) balloons to $36.25 million in both 2025 and 2026, per Sporting News.
Life after Derek Carr hasn’t been kind to Adams. Since losing his college buddy, he’s caught passes from a carousel of arms: Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew. Talk about quarterback whiplash for a guy who knew only Carr and Rodgers since his high school days.
The Jets make perfect sense as a landing spot. According to Over the Cap, they’re sitting pretty with over $16 million in cap space. Rodgers already lit the fuse back in July at Lake Tahoe: “I love Davante. Can’t wait to play with him — again.” Sometimes old flames burn the brightest.
A move to New York would require some financial gymnastics. Adams’ agents Kenny Chapman and Frank Bauer tried dousing these flames earlier this year, calling the speculation “baseless” and “unfounded.” But in the NFL, yesterday’s denial often becomes tomorrow’s headline.
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Davante Adams' loyalty to Aaron Rodgers—admirable commitment or misplaced trust after the Raiders' betrayal?