A resolution to the Davante Adams The situation could happen soon, but the Raiders may have to make concessions on two fronts. The team is asking for a package that includes a second-round pick in an Adams trade, and Vegas hopes to avoid withholding any of his remaining 2024 salary.
If the Raiders want to meet their asking price in terms of draft capital – something they are reportedly pushing for – lower financial costs will be required for an acquiring team. Veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports that teams interested in adding Adams find it “unrealistic” to send a Day 2 pick to Vegas while also taking on the remainder of Adams’ salary. That figure would be $11.92 million if a deal were worked out this week without any retention. 
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports confirms that Adams’ trade market will likely force the Raiders to eat some of the six-time Pro Bowler’s outstanding compensation before a deal is finalized. Vegas would obviously prefer to avoid this, but with nearly $27 million in cap space, the team has the flexibility to go that route, assuming a trade becomes conditional. There are a number of candidates in place, but the field could expand if the financial costs of an Adams takeover were reduced.
As expected, the Jets and Saints top the list of teams to watch in this case, with New Orleans being the most aggressive in pursuing a deal. A weekend report stated that Adams has concerns about the quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future in New York after 2024, something that could contribute to a reunion between the two. Adams is under contract through 2026, but the lack of guaranteed money beyond the current year essentially makes him a rental.
If the three-time All-Pro were to work out an extended stay with a new team, a restructuring would be necessary. That in turn would undoubtedly mean adding at least some guaranteed money for 2025 while lowering his future caps. With Adams, 31, running out of time to land future big-money contracts, Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson predicts his financial prospects will be a key factor in determining where he ends up (in addition to the trade terms being worked out between the Raiders and a acquisition team of course).
Robinson adds that Adams is no longer as highly regarded in league circles as he once was. The Fresno State product topped 1,100 yards five times between 2018 and 2023, and his average of 69.7 yards per game this season is nearly matching his career average. Still, his age and the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the past two games — but is expected to fully heal in time for Week 6 — threaten to limit the extent to which teams like the Jets or Saints (among other prospects like the Steelers) will heal. , Bills, Ravens and Commanders) are willing to commit.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Raiders head coach said Antonio Pierce said the situation has not changed regarding Adams’ health or his trading status (video link). In keeping with his previous stance on the matter, he declined to comment on the reasoning behind Adams’ trade request last week, something that emerged amid reports of Vegas making contact with other teams. Whether or not a deal is reached with either of them will soon remain a major storyline mid-season.