NFL TRADE BLOCK ALERT

Davante Adams Trade Rumors: Top Suitors, Rodgers Reunion & Contract Details

As the Las Vegas Raiders actively field offers for three-time All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, we analyze the front-running suitors, realistic trade packages, and salary cap hurdles.

By Marcus Reed•Published October 7, 2026•9 min read
Davante Adams trade alert graphic with New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers logos

The Quick Take: Where Will Davante Adams Land?

The New York Jets remain the clear front-runners to acquire Davante Adams due to his extensive rapport with Aaron Rodgers and New York’s aggressive championship aspirations. The New Orleans Saints represent the strongest challenger behind his close relationship with Derek Carr, while the Pittsburgh Steelers possess the salary cap flexibility to execute a deal immediately. Las Vegas is demanding a package centered around a 2nd-round draft pick.

The Contract Reality: What an Acquiring Team Inherits

2024 Prorated Salary
~$13.5 Million

Drawn from Adams’ $16.89M base salary, shrinking by roughly $980k each week that passes.

2025 Base Salary
$35.64 Million

Completely non-guaranteed. No team will pay this figure—an extension or restructure is mandatory.

Raiders Asking Price
2nd-Round Pick+

Vegas prefers full salary relief rather than eating cash to secure a 1st-round selection.

Top Trade Suitors Ranked & Evaluated

#1

New York Jets

Grade A+
QB Connection:Aaron Rodgers (8 seasons in Green Bay, 615 completions, 68 TDs)
Projected Trade Cost:Conditional 2025 2nd-Round Pick (escalating to 1st on AFC Championship berth)
Salary Cap Fit:High ($16.8M in effective space with restructuring)

The overwhelming betting favorite and Adams’ preferred destination. Reconnecting with Aaron Rodgers solves the Jets’ struggling passing rhythm and provides a lethal complementary weapon opposite Garrett Wilson. Woody Johnson and GM Joe Douglas are under immense pressure to maximize Rodgers’ championship window.

#2

New Orleans Saints

Grade A
QB Connection:Derek Carr (Fresno State teammates & 2022 Raiders duo)
Projected Trade Cost:2025 2nd-Round Pick + 2026 4th-Round Pick
Salary Cap Fit:Moderate (Requires Raiders eating salary or complex 2025 void years)

Carr and Adams share deep personal and schematic chemistry. Adams chose Vegas in 2022 specifically to play with Carr. With Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave stretching opposing secondaries, Adams would command the underneath and intermediate target volume in Klint Kubiak’s timing-based attack.

#3

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade B+
QB Connection:Justin Fields / Russell Wilson
Projected Trade Cost:2025 2nd-Round Pick + WR Calvin Austin III
Salary Cap Fit:Very High ($15.2M in unallocated cap space)

GM Omar Khan aggressively pursued Brandon Aiyuk throughout August and possesses the available cap space to absorb Adams’ remaining contract without requiring Las Vegas to subsidize salary. Placing Adams opposite George Pickens would transform Arthur Smith’s ground-heavy offense into a balanced postseason threat.

#4

Buffalo Bills

Grade B
QB Connection:Josh Allen (Elite MVP Contender)
Projected Trade Cost:2025 2nd-Round Pick + 2025 5th-Round Pick
Salary Cap Fit:Tight ($3.8M current space; requires immediate contract extension)

Following their Week 4 offensive slump against Baltimore, Buffalo’s young receiving corps revealed a lack of separation against physical man coverage. Adding Adams gives Josh Allen the premier route-running separator in football, though division-rival Las Vegas may prefer an NFC suitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Raiders’ asking price for Davante Adams?

The Las Vegas Raiders are seeking a package headlined by a 2nd-round draft pick and additional conditional draft compensation, while preferring not to take on any of Adams’ remaining 2024 salary.

Where does Davante Adams want to be traded?

Adams’ preferred landing spots are the New York Jets (reuniting with Aaron Rodgers) and the New Orleans Saints (reuniting with former college and Raiders teammate Derek Carr).

How does Davante Adams’ contract impact a trade?

An acquiring team will inherit approximately $13.5 million in prorated 2024 base salary. However, his 2025 and 2026 salaries balloon to non-guaranteed $35.6 million cap figures, meaning any acquiring team will almost certainly restructure or extend his deal.

Can the Chiefs trade for Davante Adams?

While the Chiefs desperately need a wide receiver after Rashee Rice’s injury, intra-division trades within the AFC West are historically rare. The Raiders would demand a significant premium from Kansas City compared to other contenders.