Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has addressed rumors surrounding a potential trade to the New York Jets, stating that such talk is "baseless" and that he expects to remain with the Raiders for the upcoming season.
Davante Adams, the star wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, has refuted recent speculation linking him to a move to the New York Jets. Adams, who joined the Raiders in 2022 on a five-year, $140 million deal, has been the subject of persistent trade rumors in the wake of a disappointing 2023 season for Las Vegas.
However, in a statement released through his agents, Kenny Chapman and Frank Bauer, Adams has dismissed the rumors as "baseless, unfounded speculation." The statement emphasizes that Adams is "expected to be with the Raiders as there has been absolutely no trade talk – period."
Davante Adams Denies Trade Rumors Amidst NFL Speculation
The rumors gained traction following the release of Netflix's "Receiver" docuseries, which featured Adams as one of five players who were followed throughout the 2023 NFL season. In the series, Adams expressed frustration with the Raiders' struggles, which culminated in the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and the benching of starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during the season.
Adams admitted in the docuseries that he supported the decision to bench Garoppolo, adding that it was necessary "for me to remain a Raider, in all honesty." The Raiders have since removed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce, their defensive coordinator who took over as head coach following McDaniels' departure.
Davante Adams Denies Trade Rumors Amidst NFL Speculation
Despite these changes, speculation persists that Adams would prefer to play elsewhere, particularly with the Jets, who have a strong relationship with his former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Adams has acknowledged that he and Rodgers hung out while the Jets were in Las Vegas to face the Raiders last season, and he admitted that he and Rodgers missed each other.
With Rodgers healthy and in New York after tearing his Achilles early in the 2023 season, the Jets have emerged as a potential destination for Adams. The addition of Adams would bolster an already talented Jets offense that includes running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Davante Adams Denies Trade Rumors Amidst NFL Speculation
The trade rumors were further fueled when Rodgers stated during a recent golf tournament that he "can't wait to play with him – again." However, it is important to note that Adams is under contract with the Raiders until 2027 and has no immediate way out of his deal.
The Raiders' new general manager, Tom Telesco, has stated that Adams "is a Raider," and that he informed other teams of this when they inquired about him earlier this year. While NFL trade rumors are often rampant, the Raiders and Adams' camp are attempting to shut down the speculation ahead of training camp.
Whether the Raiders are able to maintain their stance remains to be seen. As the saying goes, "actions speak louder than words." Only time will tell if Adams' camp's denial of trade rumors is sincere or if a blockbuster move is still in the cards.
