In a blockbuster move two and a half years ago, the Las Vegas Raiders made a splash by trading for Davante Adams, one of the elite receivers in the league. The Silver and Black gave up a first- and second-round pick in exchange for the star wideout. The excitement was palpable in the air, with perhaps even balloons floating around the Raiders’ facilities.
However, despite high hopes, the Raiders failed to make a playoff appearance, let alone a Super Bowl run. Bad decisions and a lack of success slowly eroded the relationship between the team and Adams. Now, it seems that Adams has likely played his last game for the Raiders.
According to a league source, Adams requested a trade following the Raiders’ victory over the Cleveland Browns, a game he missed due to a hamstring injury. Rumors began to swirl after coach Antonio Pierce liked an Instagram post hinting at Adams’ potential trade. Pierce is set to address the media regarding this situation at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday.
The trade request comes after a series of events that strained the relationship between Adams and the Raiders. Adams grew frustrated when Coach McDaniels brought in Jimmy Garoppolo as the starting quarterback in 2023 despite Garoppolo’s struggles with injuries and accuracy. This decision did not sit well with the six-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Adams’ discontent was further highlighted in a Netflix documentary called “Receiver,” where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s quarterback situation. Moreover, comments made by Pierce questioning his players’ effort following a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers added fuel to the fire. Pierce later admitted his mistake in criticizing the team publicly.
Pierce’s social media blunder, in which he liked the Instagram post suggesting Adams’ potential trade, was another misstep in an already tumultuous situation. Such actions are not befitting of a head coach, and it further strained the already fragile relationship between Adams and the Raiders.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear – Davante Adams’ time with the Las Vegas Raiders appears to be reaching its conclusion. The once promising partnership may come to an end as the star receiver looks for a new team to continue his career.