Davante Adams has played his last game for the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise sending him to the New York Jets fewer than three seasons since a blockbuster trade that brought him from the Green Bay Packers. The swap, fronted by a conditional third-round pick, closed out the Adams era in Las Vegas, which was the stuff of memorable, individual plays but marred largely by losing seasons for the team.
Why the Raiders Traded Davante Adams
Off-field and on-field reasons alike have driven the Raiders into trading Adams. This came at a very tumultuous time for the Raiders, who sat at 2-4 with a point differential of minus-54—the fourth worst in the NFL.
But there’s more drama surrounding the Raiders, however. There’s controversy over Raiders coach Antonio Pierce liking an Instagram post referencing that the Raiders would be looking to trade away star wide receiver Adams if the right offer came along. This only fueled speculation about Adams’ future, especially after what had already happened earlier. Pierce had sounded what appeared to be a warning to some players by criticizing them for “making business decisions” during a loss in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. In public, Adams wouldn’t say much about trade rumors, but obviously, tensions were running high.
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The other issue that impacted this trade was the Raiders’ long-term future. With Adams now 32 years of age, he was no longer in the Raiders’ rebuilding window. Even though their playoff hopes were looking very bleak, the Raiders decided to sell into the market that will eventually exist for wide receiver talent and move forward with their retooling of the roster.
Adams in Las Vegas
Adams certainly didn’t leave without individual success during his stint with the Raiders. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and led the league in touchdown catches in 2022. Still, the team never came close to its hype potential. The Raiders traded for Adams to regain what he showed earlier with his old Fresno State college teammate, quarterback Derek Carr.
Why the Jets Wanted Adams?
The signing of Adams gives New York a veteran presence with a proven playmaker who should be able to instantly add muscle to their offense.
Another exciting reunion on the field for Adams will be with former teammate Aaron Rodgers, who was the quarterback during the most memorable years of his stint with the Green Bay Packers. The Jets hope to replay some of those magic moments with the Jets as they push for the wild card entry into the playoffs.
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The Davante Adams trade was one of those sensible moves for both the Raiders and the Jets. This was Las Vegas’ chance to get back draft capital and cap space in continued roster rebuilding. They should now have the capability to pursue another quarterback and fill other holes created by free agents and those selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. For Adams, trade means signing with a team that will fight for a place in the playoffs and reuniting with old friend Aaron Rodgers, thus allowing him a chance to win a Super Bowl long before his career ends. In any case, it is a new beginning for both parties.
