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When the Las Vegas Raiders acquired wide receiver Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers back in 2022, the hope was his addition would make them a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Unfortunately, his time in the silver and black has been full of turmoil and chaos.
In his first two seasons with Las Vegas, the team had a record of 14-20. There are multiple reasons for the lack of success during the Adams era such as former coach Josh McDaniel’s questionable play calling and former Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s inability to throw the ball downfield.
All of this has led to Adams uncharacteristically being visibly upset and frustrated on the sidelines. More surprising than anything else is Adams being very vocal on his lack of production in the Raiders’ offense last year in an episode of the Netflix docuseries “Receiver”.
“If it doesn’t look right and I’m not getting opportunities, then now we’ve got a problem,” Adams said in a clip. “They gave me a lot of money to come here and score touchdowns and get first downs. And if I’m not getting the proper opportunities and it looks like dog s--- on offense, it’s time to do something about it.”
Adams further expressed his feelings on the team's struggles, detailing his role in the team benching Garoppolo following a horrendous performance in the Raiders 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions.
“Well, my opinion on that, was I signed off on that. And that's just the reality of it,” Adams said during an episode of the new Netflix documentary, “Receiver,” “You know, I love Jimmy and he's a great guy, but something had to happen for us to have a chance down the stretch and for me to remain a Raider, in all honesty.”
Despite Adams showing his support for new head coach Antonio Pierce and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, it seems it’s only a matter of time before he demands a trade.
Some popular trade ideas have formed with Adams former teammates in New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs both publicly expressing their interest in a reunion.
However, a scenario that isn’t being mentioned is Adams teaming up with Lamar Jackson on the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens were viewed as the best team in football for most of the previous season and were one win away from a super bowl appearance. Unfortunately, their season ended due to multiple miscues against the eventual world champion, Kansas City Chiefs.
The team is in a better position heading into season after adding running back Derrick Henry in free agency, but acquiring Adams will help fully unleash their offense.
The current wide receiver group of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor is respectable, but they lack a true alpha who can take over a game at any point. Flowers is the only receiver who has the potential to grow into that role after showcasing his skills as a fast, shifty speedster that can burn opposing defenses.
Having Adams would take pressure away from Flowers and give more open looks for the other receivers. He would also give Jackson another safety blanket to get rid of the ball when a play breaks down other than tight end Mark Andrews.
Baltimore’s offense would become a redzone nightmare for opposing defenses with Jackson being able to run it himself, hand it off to Henry, find Flowers on a quick slant, or throw it up for Adams or Andrews in one-on-one coverage.
Adding Adams would give Jackson the best wide receiver he has gotten to throw to in his career. The only player of similar caliber to Adams that Jackson has had is Odell Beckham Jr., but it was clear last year that he was a shell of his former self after multiple knee injuries.
Whether the Raiders entertain the idea of dealing Adams if he demands a trade is another conversation altogether. However, the answer is probably yes given his age and hefty contract will decrease his value as more time passes. Adding high drafts picks and younger players while Adams has high value is the wiser pass for the Raiders.
How long Adams lasts in the sin city remains to be seen, but he is likely going into the 2024 season as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. While many people will link Adams to the Jets, the Ravens have shown a willingness to make bold trades during the regular season and trading for Adams falls into that category.
