The Jets and Saints remain the most popular landing spots for Davante Adams, but there are plenty of other teams interested in acquiring the All-Pro receiver. Over the past week, we’ve heard that the Steelers, Bills, Cowboys, Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs and more have been involved with the Raiders wideout, but now another team could enter the fray.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy FowlerLeague executives believe the managers could be dark horse candidates in the trade sweepstakes. But Fowler cautioned that the managers’ young core means it may not be the best fit for the 31-year-old wide receiver.
Fowler makes a valid point, but commanders’ concerns may not be completely random. Jaden Daniels is quickly validating the stock of the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and with managers posting an impressive 3-1 record, the front office is looking to take as many of their rookie QBs as possible. He may be planning to make moves to win right away while surrounding himself with talent.
Additionally, the command’s wide receiver room could use some flashes of talent. Terry McLaurin remains atop the depth chart, and the team has high hopes for third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey. Otherwise, the team’s WR depth consists of Noah Brown, Diami Brown, Olamide Zachias, and Jamison Crowder (currently on IR). Adams would definitely provide an upgrade to the team’s current receiver corps.
Coaches may engage in a bidding war, but one team is putting the brakes on the reported interest. During an appearance on KNBR’s Murph & Marcus, 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed that the team will look to improve its roster. But the GM also said the 49ers plan to have their entire right-hander group back on the field soon, with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall all deserving of playing time.
“We like our group. Davante is a hell of a player,” Lynch said (via Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area). “One of the things we’ve shown is that we’re always looking and we’re never afraid to look and see what’s out there. We’re never afraid to pull the trigger. No. But coming into this year, I think we feel like our roster is in a pretty good position.
“We’ve endured some injuries, but I’m not saying never. And it has to work. It has to work for both parties, but it has to work for us as well. I don’t want to comment on specific players, but we like the situation with our roster right now.”
Speculation is fun, but rumors aren’t expected to last long. One league executive told Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post that he expects Adams to be traded within the next week or two, with the wideout expected to be traded before he is ready to return from his hamstring injury. He said it could be released. Fowler echoed that sentiment, saying he expected trade negotiations to intensify next week.