Raiders Trade Davante Adams: A Fresh Start for Both Sides

The Raiders have decided to trade wide receiver Davante Adams to the Jets, marking a significant change for both teams. Owner Mark Davis spoke about the move at a recent league meeting in Atlanta, emphasizing the fluid nature of player movements in football. "Players come and go," he said. The Raiders, who have a record of 2-4, are hoping to minimize distractions and move forward. The trade comes after two weeks of negotiations. It was reported that the Raiders might keep Adams for the rest of the season, but this was likely just a strategy to get the best trade terms. Davis wasn't thrilled about paying Adams over $983,000 per week to not play, but he left the decision to the general manager and head coach. The Raiders didn't end up paying any of Adams's remaining salary. This move, however, didn't secure them the second-round pick they wanted. To get that, Adams would need to become a first or second-team All-Pro, which seems challenging given his current performance. Adams has missed three games this year and currently ranks low in receptions and receiving yards. The Raiders traded two first-round picks and a second-round pick to get Adams but only received a third-round pick in return. They also paid him over $55 million for his time in Las Vegas but haven't made the playoffs during his tenure. Despite the trade, the Raiders can look at this as a positive step. They wouldn't have wanted to keep paying Adams's high salary for the rest of the season. Plus, they would have had to cut him before the 2025 league year to avoid his massive salary cap hit.