This year’s NFL trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the news that Las Vegas Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams has requested a trade. It’s rare for a player of Adams’ caliber—an All-Pro wideout—to hit the trade market, especially midseason. A move involving Adams could significantly alter the landscape of Super Bowl contention, with any team acquiring him gaining an instant boost to their championship aspirations.
Although it’s still early in the trade process, speculation is already swirling about where Adams might land.
On Wednesday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic provided an update, reporting that two teams have emerged as potential suitors for Adams: the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets. Russini also emphasized that Adams is eager to leave the Raiders quickly.
“The Jets and Cowboys are among the many teams monitoring the Davante Adams situation,” Russini shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Both have checked in with the Raiders. I’m told at this point that Vegas is in no rush to make a move until a team reaches their asking price — but Adams wants out ASAP.”
RELATED: Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce Sparks Rumors of Potential Davante Adams Trade
The New York Jets’ interest in Adams makes perfect sense. Adams spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he formed a strong connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Now that Rodgers is with the Jets, the team has shown a clear commitment to maximizing what remains of his career. Reuniting Rodgers with his favorite target could further boost the Jets’ offense and fit within their recent strategy of making bold moves to build a Super Bowl contender around their star quarterback.
The Dallas Cowboys’ involvement, however, comes as more of a surprise. For months, team owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys are “all-in” for a Super Bowl run in 2024, but the organization has been cautious about making splashy moves or spending big on outside talent. The Cowboys have invested heavily in quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but earlier in the season, the team balked at acquiring running back Derrick Henry, citing his price tag. A trade for Adams would signal a significant shift in Dallas’ approach, indicating a willingness to break from their usual preference for homegrown talent.
Acquiring Adams would be a blockbuster move for the Cowboys and would instantly elevate their offense. While the team’s early-season struggles have been more related to defense than offense, pairing Adams with CeeDee Lamb would create one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos in the NFL. The idea that “the best defense is a good offense” could become the Cowboys’ strategy, and in today’s high-scoring league, that approach could pay off.
However, the financial aspect of a potential trade could complicate matters for Dallas. Adams is currently earning $16.9 million this season and has two more years remaining on his five-year, $140 million contract with the Raiders, which he signed in 2022. Integrating such a large salary into the Cowboys’ already tight salary cap situation would be challenging, but not impossible. If the Cowboys are serious about making a deep playoff run, they may be willing to restructure contracts or make roster adjustments to accommodate Adams.
Should a deal for Adams come to fruition, it would dramatically shift the NFL landscape. Both the Cowboys and Jets are viewed as potential contenders, and adding an All-Pro wide receiver of Adams’ caliber could push either team closer to a Super Bowl.
For now, the football world watches closely as the trade deadline approaches, waiting to see if one of the league’s most talented receivers will make a game-changing move.
