The Lions should call the Raiders about All-Pro WR Davante Adams

The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-3, but don’t let the record fool you: it is not all sunshine and rainbows in Sin City. All-Pro wideout Davante Adams has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of usage in the passing game, which can largely be attributed to inconsistency behind center. Plus, Adams’ shoulder injury is surely playing a part in this, as well. Could the Raider star be a target for the upstart Detroit Lions?

The Raiders Might Have A Disgruntled Star On Their Hands

Although the veteran pass catcher has yet to formally demand a trade, the hints are there if you look closely enough. In recent weeks, Adams took to the media to question how things are going in Vegas. He brought up the fact that at his age, he doesn’t have the luxury of waiting around until the team figures it out.

It’s hard to blame Adams. When he was traded to the Raiders, the organization was fresh off a postseason berth, and his old college quarterback, Derek Carr, was the team’s QB1. Last season saw Carr and the entire roster regress across the board. That led to head coach Josh McDaniels parting ways with the nine-year starter.

In Carr’s place? The noodle-armed Jimmy Garoppolo. Granted, on paper, Garoppolo looked like a great fit within the McDaniels scheme. The two spent time in New England together, after all. But there is one problem — football isn’t played on paper. And perhaps even worse, Jimmy G’s bones seem made of paper, too.

Garoppolo already missed action earlier in the year, and after a scary back injury in last week’s contest, the former Niner will likely miss more time. Journeyman Brian Hoyer came in to relieve Garoppolo on Sunday, while rookie Aidan O’Connell served as the starter against the Chargers a couple of weeks ago.

Such uncertainty is difficult for any wide receiver to overcome; Davante Adams is no exception. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has seemingly become the preferred target within the Raiders offense in 2023, leaving many to ask: what is next for Adams?

Davante Adams And The Detroit Lions: A Match Made In Heaven?

An in-season trade is nearly impossible to pull off with a player who has the contract Adams has. The salary cap can always be moved around, but it’s much easier to do so when the 53-man rosters aren’t already set. That being said, there is one franchise that must call the Raiders if Adams is made available.

The Detroit Lions are off to a blistering 5-1 start. For only the second time since 1991, the Dan Campbell-led squad is in the driver’s seat of the NFC North.

Former first-round pick Jameson Williams recently returned to the field following his suspension and caught a deep touchdown pass in his season debut. Williams’ skill set pairs well with the precise route running of Amon-Ra St. Brown, serving as the chain mover of the unit. But imagine adding Davante Adams, too.

Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, quarterback Jared Goff has witnessed a resurgence. He is playing the best ball of his career, and one final addition could be enough to put Detroit firmly on the map in January (and maybe even February).

Is The Juice Worth The Squeeze?

What would it cost? To keep it simple: a lot. The good news? The Lions have plenty of resources to make this all-in kind of move. Two second-round picks in 2024 and 2025 might be enough to convince the Raiders to rip the band-aid off and recoup assets. If Detroit floats a future first-round pick in trade talks, the two sides may strike a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Maybe the Lions don’t need Davante Adams to go on a championship run. But it sure wouldn’t hurt. Imagine game-planning for an offense that consists of Adams, St. Brown, Williams, Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs. That sound you hear is the Jared Goff MVP hype train leaving the station. Don’t worry, I’ll save you a seat.