Raiders shake things up: Davante Adams heads to the Jets
In a surprising move that’s got the NFL world buzzing, the Las Vegas Raiders have traded star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets. This blockbuster deal has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads and wondering what’s next for both teams.
Let’s break down this trade and see what Raiders owner Mark Davis had to say about it.
The Trade Details
The Raiders spent two weeks shopping Adams’ contract around the league. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, they finally struck a deal with the Jets. Both teams are currently sitting at 2-4 for the season, so this trade could be a game-changer for either side.
Mark Davis Speaks Out
At the quarterly league meetings in Atlanta, Raiders owner Mark Davis shared his thoughts on the trade. “It’s part of this life in football,” Davis told TheAthletic.com. “Players come and go. If things don’t work out, they don’t work out.”
Davis praised General Manager Tom Telesco for handling the situation well. “Tom Telesco did a good job today of making sure that we move forward in the future with as little distraction as possible,” he said.
The use of the word “distraction” is telling. It hints at some behind-the-scenes tension that might have led to this trade.
The Decision-Making Process
Davis made it clear that he trusts his team’s leadership to make these tough calls. “I leave these decisions up to the general manager and the head coach,” he explained. “They make the football decisions. I consult with them, and I may often advocate on their behalf, but ultimately, they make the final decisions.”
This hands-off approach shows Davis’s confidence in his staff, but it also raises questions about the overall direction of the team.
The Financial Side
Money played a big role in this trade. The Raiders didn’t take on any of Adams’ remaining salary, which likely affected what they got in return. They avoided paying Adams $983,333 per week to not play, but they also missed out on getting the second-round draft pick they wanted.
There’s still a chance for a second-round pick, but only if Adams becomes a first- or second-team All-Pro with the Jets. Given his performance thus far this season, that’s an ambitious expectation.
Adams’ Stats and Impact
Adams has played 37 games for the Raiders over two seasons. In 2024, he’s caught 18 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown. These numbers put him in a tie for 76th in receptions and 70th in receiving yards in the league.
During Adams’ time with the team, the Raiders compiled a 16-24 record and never made it to the playoffs. It’s a disappointing outcome for a player of Adams’ caliber.
The Cost of the Adams Era
The Raiders paid a hefty price to bring Adams to Las Vegas. They gave up a first-round pick and a second-round pick to get him. In return, they’re only getting a third-round pick from the Jets in this trade.
On top of that, the Raiders paid Adams more than $55 million for his 37 games with the team. That’s a lot of money for a player who’s now suiting up for another team.
Looking Ahead
While the trade might seem like a loss for the Raiders, it could be a smart long-term move. If they had kept Adams, they would have had to pay him $983,333 per week for the next 12 weeks. Plus, his $35.64 million salary for the 2025 season would have been a massive hit to their salary cap.
By trading Adams now, the Raiders free up cap space and get a draft pick in return. While it may not be perfect, it’s preferable to securing a large contract for a player who failed to meet expectations.
What this means for both teams
For the raiders, this trade signals a shift in strategy. They’re clearly looking to rebuild and create cap space for future moves. It’s a bold decision that could pay off in the long run, but it might lead to some short-term struggles.
The Jets, on the other hand, are taking a big swing. They’re hoping Adams can regain his All-Pro form and boost their offense. If it works out, this could be the move that turns their season around.
Only time will reveal who ultimately benefited from this agreement. Undoubtedly, the NFL has become significantly more captivating.
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