As Davante Adams hovers near a possible trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL insiders and coaches alike are questioning the Raiders’ steep asking price—a second-round pick. None other than Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has voiced his doubts, viewing a high draft pick for the aging, high-cost All-Pro receiver as a risky gamble for any potential suitor.
Since his 2014 debut with the Packers, Adams has made a name as one of the NFL’s top wideouts, boasting four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and a career-best 1,553-yard season in 2021. Even last season, amidst a rocky start with the Raiders, Adams logged over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. However, his relationship with Las Vegas soured early this season when Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce benched him, reportedly citing a lack of a “team-first attitude.”
A reunion with former teammate Aaron Rodgers at the Jets seems plausible, but Adams’ price tag complicates the equation. Analysts have settled on a second-round pick as fair trade value, but Belichick, known for his frugal approach to wide receivers, isn’t convinced. The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach, who built New England’s dynasty by picking value players in the later rounds, appears to see Adams’ age and contract as red flags. He knows the potential downside of such deals firsthand; even the legendary Randy Moss, whom Belichick snagged for a mere fourth-round pick in 2007, came with a team-friendly contract restructure.
As the trade deadline approaches, it remains to be seen if the Raiders will adjust their asking price to make Adams more appealing or if any team, including the Jets, will meet the current demands.
