Davante Adams to the Jets or Bills? Why New York, Buffalo are strong trade candidates for Raiders star | Sporting News Australia

As the Jets and Bills get set to face off on “Monday Night Football” in Week 6, they may also be currently competing in the trade market. 

Rumors surrounding Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams have increased lately, with multiple reports detailing that Las Vegas is willing to part ways with its No. 1 receiver for the right price. 

New York and Buffalo, two teams that could use another pass-catcher for varying reasons, became natural suitors for Adams soon after the rumors began, and the speculation regarding the two teams was confirmed most recently by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

On Saturday, Schefter reported that the Raiders have continued talking to the Jets about Adams, while the Bills have “checked in” on the receiver’s availability. However, the Steelers and Saints remain in the mix as well.

As the two AFC East foes prepare to play one another Monday, The Sporting News has you covered on why both the Jets and Bills have shown interest in Adams, plus a look at the wide receiver depth charts for each team and Adams’ career numbers. 

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Why do the Jets want to trade for Davante Adams?

After NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported weeks ago that Adams “prefers” to be traded from the Raiders, the Jets became arguably the top suitor for the star receiver for a variety of reasons.

Expectations were high for New York entering 2024 as it looked to build on a 7-10 record last season, now with Aaron Rodgers healthy and talent on both sides of the ball. However, things haven’t gone completely according to plan for the Jets so far, and their offense is a significant reason for that.

Entering Monday’s game against the Bills, New York ranks 27th in the league in total yards per game (286.6), and 25th in points per game (18.6). The Jets have started the season with a 2-3 record, and while Rodgers and his receivers have had some highlight moments, this is a playoff-or-bust year for the franchise.

The Jets have already made drastic changes as well. In the past week, they fired head coach Robert Saleh, a defensive-minded coach, and demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett from play calling duties. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich is now running the show, while passing game coordinator Todd Downing is calling the Jets’ offensive plays. 

Offense is clearly the biggest issue in New York. The team’s defense is allowing just 255.8 yards per game entering Monday, the second-lowest mark in the NFL. Recent offensive woes are one reason the Jets have interest in Adams, but there’s also a clear chemistry aspect as well.

Rodgers and Adams spent eight seasons together in Green Bay, becoming one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the league. Adams posted three 1,000-yard seasons with the Packers playing alongside Rodgers, also coming within three yards of the mark on two separate occasions.

While Adams eventually departed Green Bay for Las Vegas and Rodgers left for New York, a reunion would likely be simple for the two on the field. They played together for a long time, and Adams could be plugged into New York’s new-look offense with ease.

Despite all the natural fits between Adams and the Jets though, there’s no guarantee the team can pull a deal off. Schefter’s report Saturday said that the Raiders are content with keeping Adams if they can’t get proper compensation for him, which is reported to be a second-round pick and more. Plus, other teams, like the Bills, have shown interest.

If Las Vegas does choose to trade Adams, New York seems to be a strong fit though, as there wouldn’t be any chemistry concerns from the jump.

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Jets WR depth chart 

With or without Adams, the Jets have talent at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson is one of the most talented players at the position across the league, as he’s posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. A potential Wilson-Adams duo would likely be a 1A and 1B scenario, giving Rodgers a pair of top-notch options to look toward in the air.

New York has solid depth at wide receiver as well. Allen Lazard is another former Packers receiver that has a history with Rodgers, and he already has four touchdowns in 2024. Rounding out the group, Mike Williams remains a strong veteran option, while Gipson, Corley and Charles have played lesser roles in a deep passing game.

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Why do the Bills want to trade for Davante Adams?

The Bills may not have the prior chemistry appeal for Adams that the Jets do, but they do have a generational quarterback that’s in his prime.

After Buffalo traded Stefon Diggs to the Texans in exchange for a second-round pick — a move that was likely less about on-the-field production than Diggs’ off-the-field personality — the team has had a lack of a true No. 1 receiver.

With Diggs gone, the Bills opted to go the route of giving Josh Allen more depth at wide receiver rather than one star option. Buffalo drafted Keon Coleman in the second round of April’s NFL Draft and signed Curtis Samuel in free agency, while Khalil Shakir has stepped into the No. 1 role after mostly serving as a depth option previously.

In 2024, the Bills are 3-2. Their offense hasn’t been a significant concern, averaging 28.4 points per game, but Allen also doesn’t have a designated No. 1 receiver to look to for big plays. Buffalo also ranks just 26th in the league in passing yards per game (181.6). 

Allen remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, so the Bills’ interest in Adams likely stems from wanting to give him a No. 1 option without Diggs.

Per Schefter, Buffalo isn’t one of Adams’ top choices for a trade, as the Jets and Saints were atop his wishlist. But, the receiver would likely still welcome a move to the Bills, as he’d have a significant role in one of the league’s top offenses.

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Bills WR depth chart

Shakir leads the Bills in receiving (230 yards) through five games, and he’s been Allen’s top target. Buffalo’s offensive production is mostly balanced though, as outside of the wide receivers, running back James Cook and tight end Dalton Kincaid play significant roles.

No receiver other than Shakir has reached 10 receptions in 2024 thus far for the Bills, but Coleman has scored twice and Hollins once. If Buffalo pulls off a move for Adams, he’d instantly become Allen’s go-to target throughout the rest of the season.

Davante Adams stats 

Adams, a 31-year-old veteran, has made a career out of being one of the league’s most talented weapons. He does virtually everything a team wants in a pass-catcher, especially in the red zone, with 96 receiving touchdowns in 11 seasons.

As he could soon be on the move once again, here’s a look at Adams’ career numbers between the Packers and Raiders.