The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly informed NFL teams that they would “consider” trading star wide receiver Davante Adams. The Raiders are said to be seeking a second-round draft pick along with additional compensation, with the New Orleans Saints rumored as a potential suitor.
Adams, 31, is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler in his 11th season, having spent his first eight years with the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded 669 receptions for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns.
In the 2022 offseason, the Packers traded Adams to the Raiders in exchange for first and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his first two seasons in Las Vegas, Adams caught 203 passes for 2,660 yards and 22 touchdowns. So far this season, he has 18 receptions for 209 yards but missed last week’s win against the Cleveland Browns due to a hamstring injury.
With the NFL trade deadline set for November 5, several teams have been linked to Adams should the Raiders decide to trade him, including the New Orleans Saints.
However, there are complications that any team interested in acquiring Adams will need to address. Still, there are several reasons why Adams may be inclined to consider New Orleans.
Derek Carr
Davante Adams played at Fresno State from 2012 to 2013, where he recorded 233 receptions for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. His impressive 2013 season featured 131 catches for 1,719 yards, leading the NCAA.
During that time, Derek Carr was Adams’ quarterback. After a standout 2012 season, Carr led the NCAA in passing yardage (5,083), touchdowns (50), and completions in 2013. Both players were selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, with Carr going 36th overall to the Oakland Raiders and Adams being picked 53rd by the Green Bay Packers.
When Adams was traded from Green Bay to the Raiders in 2022, it was reported that Las Vegas was one of his preferred destinations due to his connection with Carr. In their time together in Las Vegas, Adams caught 100 passes for 1,516 yards and an NFL-high 14 touchdowns.
Having played alongside Aaron Rodgers for eight years in Green Bay, Adams could be drawn to New Orleans with Carr now at the helm.
Keith Williams and Dave Ziegler
Another connection to Adams in New Orleans is Saints WR coach Keith Williams, who was the WR coach at Fresno State from 2009 to 2011 before moving on to Tulane in 2012. While Williams never directly coached Adams, he played a significant role in recruiting him to the Bulldogs. Adams joined Fresno State in 2011, when Williams was still part of the staff, although he redshirted that year.
NFL Insider Adam Schefter has reported that Adams views Williams as one of his mentors, indicating a close relationship that could influence his decision.
Additionally, Dave Ziegler, who was the Raiders’ General Manager during Adams’ trade, is currently in his first year as a front office assistant with the Saints.
Klint Kubiak
Kubiak is in his first season as New Orleans’ offensive coordinator. The offense currently leads the NFL with 127 points scored after four games, and Carr has completed 72% of his passes for 824 yards and six touchdowns.
While wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have gotten off to strong starts—combining for 35 receptions and 517 yards—there hasn’t been consistent production from other receivers or tight ends, with the rest of the roster tallying just five receptions for 26 yards.
Kubiak’s offensive scheme typically creates favorable matchups for wideouts, backs, and tight ends, making it an appealing system for players. This, along with his long-standing ties to Carr and Williams, could entice Adams to facilitate a trade to the New Orleans Saints.
