Few, if any, preseason trade proposals are as common as sending Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets.
If the money can be made compliant, there's reason to believe New York could pull it off.
The move would have the blessing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who funneled targets to Adams and has publicly expressed admiration for the receiver. It would also pair Garrett Wilson with one of the handful of receivers with as much talent at the position. Amid a Super Bowl window, the Jets are incentivized to mortgage their future (somewhat responsibly) in pursuit of a title.
The biggest thing standing in the way, though, could be another title-hungry team hoping to improve their chances.
According to the 33rd Team, that third party could be the Detroit Lions.
"Everyone wants to see Davante Adams on the Jets, and the idea of pairing Aaron Rodgers with a familiar face in Adams makes sense," Ian Valentino wrote. "But the Detroit Lions are America's team right now, so putting the 31-year-old on the league's most fun offense is a better fit. Detroit should be all-in, and its WR2 situation isn't up to snuff for a Super Bowl run."
Like the Jets, the Lions have plenty of reasons to trade for Adams. He may be a better fit given Amon-Ra St. Brown's prowess in the slot. New York trading for Adams would mean he or Wilson would have to play in the slot regularly, and while they are more than capable, they wouldn't be optimized in that scenario. In Detroit, Adams is far and away better than any St. Brown receiver on the roster and would provide an upgrade without forcing St. Brown out of his comfort zone.
Another factor working in Detroit's favor is its cap space.
"Detroit's cap situation is healthy enough to absorb Adams' $16 million base salary right now, and then minor trimming in the future makes this a palatable deal," Valentino wrote. "He has $0 in guarantees beyond this season, so a restructuring could also make his contract more favorable.
"In return, the Raiders clear off $17.5 million in 2024, then more than $36 million in 2025 and 2026. Taking a flier on Jameson Williams is what gets this deal across the finish line."
Needless to say, draft capital would be necessary to facilitate a trade – the Raiders aren't trying to trade a star without the chance to get a young one a few months later. It's also possible Las Vegas exceeds expectations and decides not to trade the star receiver anyway.
While the Jets may be considered the favorites for his services, no trade is likely, and they aren't alone in their pursuit. Adams' power to choose his destination (or lack thereof) could be the determining factor in where he finishes his 2024 season.
