NFL Rumors: Patriots Rival In ‘Driver’s Seat’ For Davante Adams Trade?

All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams could be in the midst of his final days with the Las Vegas Raiders as trade rumors ramp up, placing two teams — including a New England Patriots division rival — at the forefront of favorites to land the 11-year veteran.

Adams, who is frustrated with the current state of 2-3, bottom of the AFC West Las Vegas, isn’t content with sticking around for what’s been a rough start for the Raiders this season. The 31-year-old is seeking a departure, although reports suggest that regardless of how much trade interest Adams generates, two franchises are the most favorable and desirable to Adams: the New Orleans Saints (2-3) and the New York Jets (2-3).

“Speaking of Adams, the Raiders have told at least one team involved in a potential trade they don’t plan to front any of the bill on his $16.89 million salary,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote. “Perhaps negotiations change that, but that has been the perceived stance from Las Vegas. Teams I’ve talked to believe the Saints might just be the favorite, because they are on Adams’ short list of preferred destinations and are willing to be aggressive. Yes, the Jets are involved. But the Raiders probably will go with the best package. And because Adams seems to prefer going to the Jets or Saints, the Raiders are starting there, knowing they can expand the list if needed. As of now, those two teams appear to be in the driver’s seat.”

New York, especially, could use an early-season boost. The Jets just relieved Robert Saleh of head coaching duties; quarterback Aaron Rodgers resembles exactly what he is — a 40-year-old — and New York shares an identical record with the Miami Dolphins who lost their starting quarterback in Week 2. Showing Saleh the door was bold enough, however, to follow up the change of direction without any sort of effective page turn would be even more disastrous. The AFC East is up for takes and Adams, potentially paired with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, could make for a lethal New York offense.

Adams entered the clean slate having recorded 1,000-plus-yard seasons in the last four years. So far, he’s racked up 209 receiving yards off 18 receptions in three appearances with one touchdown. It’s been a modest start relative to Adams’ standards, but sporting New York green and playing with Rodgers could give teams — including the Patriots on Oct. 27 — hell moving forward.

The Raiders haven’t played Adams since Week 3 and that trend will likely continue as Las Vegas gets set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.