NFL
Why isn’t Davante Adams playing for the Raiders against the Broncos on week 5?
Head coach Antonio Pierce revealed that the wide receiver is still dealing with his hamstring injury and is working his way back to playing fitness.
There are mixed rumors about Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams in the NFL world. Social media has been preoccupied with speculation that Adams might want to leave Vegas. These rumors started when NFL Network reported that Adams would prefer a trade. What’s strange about Adams’s case is that now it marks a transition from the offseason when the Raiders interestingly rejected every offer for their veteran receiver.
The situation became even more interesting when interim head coach Antonio Pierce liked an Instagram post speculating that Adams may have played his final down with the Raiders. Teams had been inquiring about Adams’ availability last week, with the Raiders initially showing no interest in making a deal, according to several sources. However, recent developments, including Adams’ hamstring injury and unusual social media activity, have changed the Raiders’ stance.
Is Davante Adams probably out against the Denver Broncos?
Injury reports from the Raiders’ practice week indicate that Adams is currently sidelined due to a week-to-week hamstring injury, and he will most definitely be sidelined in their duel against the Broncos.
In the meantime, the league has been discussing a potential trade to gauge interest. Speculation has increased after Adams publicly mentioned that he has not spoken to Coach Pierce since the rumors surfaced.
With the NFL trade deadline just five weeks away, there are clear obstacles to a potential trade. Adams, who is 32 years old, has a contract with non-guaranteed money for 2025 and 2026, making this year the final guaranteed season of his current deal. Any team interested in trading for him would likely view it as a one-year rental unless they can negotiate a reworked contract.
Compensation for draft picks will be paramount to any potential deal. Although the Raiders may hope to secure a second-round pick, Adams’ age and contract situation may lead teams to offer something less, such as a third-round pick and additional assets. Given Adams’ injury and the complexity of his contract, it is unlikely that a trade will happen quickly.
Several teams have been linked to Adams as potential landing spots. The New York Jets are a good fit due to Adams’ long-standing relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The New Orleans Saints, led by Derek Carr, Adams’ former teammate with the Raiders, also present a logical destination. While cap issues could pose challenges, the Saints have demonstrated creativity in managing such constraints and could be a good landing spot.