The situation with Davante Adams escalated quickly. And unless the Raiders continue a winning streak that makes them a true contender in the AFC, Adams will be traded at the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
So where does he go?
Below is a list of potential destinations. Teams that are interested, are interested, and/or should be interested. There is no other order than the way the 32 teams are categorized in my mind.
1. Jet.
There was some talk in the preseason about a reunion between Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But do the Jets need Adams?
They have Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Mike Williams. Will one of them be traded to the Raiders as part of a deal? If Davante becomes a Jet, someone’s going to be the weirdo when it comes to targets.
2. Bill.
They don’t have a true number one receiver, but that’s okay. It would be better to have one. Especially if they might have to protect Davante as a member of the Jets, who appear to be Buffalo’s only real threat in this division.
3. Steelers.
They still don’t have a clear No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens. (Maybe Pickens could become No. 2 if they acquire Adams.)
When the Steelers were on the verge of trading 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, he decided to stay. The Steelers could still use some help at this position, especially as they are becoming true championship favorites.
4. Colts.
The Colts’ victory over the Steelers in Week 4 made them a potential playoff team. Adams will help solidify his spot with a shot at earning a wild card or even defeating the Texans to win the division.
5. Chiefs.
They are the most obvious destination. The question is whether the Raiders will trade Adams to their division rival, who is trying to make history by winning their third straight Super Bowl.
If Adams becomes Kansas City’s No. 1 option and the Chiefs win their third straight championship, Raiders fans might view that as an inexcusable act.
6. Commander.
Jaden Daniels is the real deal. And he will likely be even more effective against receivers like Adams on the team.
7. Cowboys.
I didn’t mention them on PFT Live, but it reminded me of something Rodney Harrison said on Friday’s show. They need more help from a recipient not named CeeDee Lamb. Adams would do that.
And remember this. The Cowboys traded Amari Cooper to the Raiders during the 2018 season. And it worked out very well for Dallas.
8. Packers.
Green Bay has a solid group of young receivers. With Christian Watson sidelined for some time with an ankle sprain, Adams will provide skill, experience and a familiar face.
9. 49ers.
Could they decide to let Brandon Aiyuk go so soon after signing him to a long-term contract? If so, how about Raiders and flip-flops for Adams?
Trading him now would result in an $18.4 million cap charge in 2025. And they ended up paying him $23 million for less than one season of work.
However, they may end up acquiring Aiyuk in addition to Adams. If the Raiders want him. Or if the 49ers can find another trade partner for Aiyuk at the same time as trading Adams.