Earlier this offseason, Tom Telesco, General Manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, clearly stated that trading All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams was not in their plans. Despite being a valuable asset, Adams, who recently voiced at his youth football camp that he would leave if he wished, remains a significant figure in the Raiders’ lineup. At 31, Adams is part of a Raiders team that is currently in transition but still holds considerable value both on and off the field.
According to the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora, there is a strong preference from Mark Davis to retain Adams. The rationale is clear: Davis sees Adams not just as a talented receiver, but as a cornerstone to build around, especially with a young quarterback potentially joining the ranks post-draft.
Keeping Davante Adams will impact the Las Vegas Raiders in many ways
Keeping Adams seems to be a calculated decision aimed at maintaining stability and leadership in the team. His contract, which runs for three more seasons, includes a fully guaranteed base salary of $16.89M for 2024. This structure offers some flexibility for the Raiders, making it easier to keep him until a more beneficial trade scenario presents itself, without significant financial repercussions beyond this year.
Trading Adams would not only incur a hefty $23.6M in dead money but also provide minimal cap savings—an unfavorable financial move for any team, especially when considering the limited compensation likely to be received for a player advancing in age.
Prime Davante Adams🔥 pic.twitter.com/YhnhoXq11x
— RR🇪🇷 (@ReallyRichx2) April 11, 2024
The Draft and Potential Quarterback Acquisitions
The Raiders’ strategy in the upcoming draft remains a topic of intense speculation. With Gardner Minshew currently at the helm and the prospect of drafting a new quarterback like Michael Penix Jr., who is seen as a potential consolation prize if Jayden Daniels is off the board, the team is evidently looking towards youth. Pairing a rookie quarterback contract with Adams’ experienced presence and $28M-per-year salary could provide the ideal balance of youth and experience.
Conclusion
As the draft nears, the Raiders are seemingly set to keep their key player, contrary to the swirling trade rumors earlier in the offseason. Davante Adams remains pivotal not just for his on-field skills but also as a veteran influence in a transitioning team.
For now, Mark Davis and the Raiders appear content to hold their cards close, focusing on strategic continuity rather than upheaval. This approach, while conservative, could very well stabilize the team’s performance and pave the way for a structured rebuild, leveraging both experienced players and new talents.
Source- Yardbarker
