Davante Adams’ ranking fits from a fantasy football perspective post-trade request

What’s going on in Sin City?

There seems to be a disconnect between Davante Adams and the Las Vegas Raiders. Since joining the team in 2022, the star winger has been subject to constant trade rumors. And in fairness to him, he continues to do his best to downplay the outside noise, as evidenced by his latest Up and Adams appearance. However, head coach Antonio Pierce may have inadvertently caused chaos with his recent social media activity.

Whether Pierce was trolling or confirming the inevitable, he liked the post about Adams, who has reportedly already played his last game as a Raider. It’s worth noting that this comes just days after rumors of a potential split surfaced.

Moving Adams sooner rather than later makes sense for the Raiders from a financial and logistical standpoint. Given his age (31), his huge salary in 2025 and 2026, and the state of the franchise, both sides could benefit from a fresh start. Intel from the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsigore suggests there is some kind of mutual understanding.

Bonsignore notes that the Raiders have been “open to the idea” of dealing Adams. What’s more, Las Vegas even reached out to other clubs to “gauge interest” in the six-time Pro Bowler. From the sound of it, things are heating up quickly.

Although Adams has been dealing with a hamstring injury week-to-week, he will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest on the trade market. Still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, the 11-year pro immediately becomes the most drafted receiver on many lineups. However, from a fantasy football perspective, managers aren’t concerned with the actual prospects of his potential next destination – they’re concerned with his prospects as a WR1. With this in mind, what would be the best place to land?

Below, we rank Adams’ eight likely suitors based on the fantastic benefits they offer.

The trio of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Adams would certainly be fun to watch and would be unstoppable. Nevertheless, the Ravens are the second-toughest team in football, which limits the fantasy ceiling of any Baltimore pass catcher.

Given the league’s most lethal defense duo, it makes sense for Baltimore to lean on their rushing attack. Will Adams’ arrival be enough to make them change their offensive philosophy and adopt a more balanced approach? This remains unclear. Either way, he would be the best receiver Jackson has ever had.

Veteran quarterback Mark Andrews has been Jackson’s target for years. Unfortunately, he tries to refute the accusations thrown out. With that in mind, Adams’ biggest competition in terms of looks will be 2023 first-round pick Zay Flowers, who had a limited route tree as a rookie. So far in year two, the situation has been similar with the latter, with Baltimore often feeding him near the line of scrimmage.

Like the Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers want to establish scores early and often. Still, Adams’ well-documented offseason search for an alpha receiver could prompt them to adjust their game plan accordingly.

In this scenario, Adams will immediately usurp George Pickens as Pittsburgh’s top dog. He would provide Justin Fields (or Russell Wilson) with a reliable receiver who can win in every area of ​​the field.

The Steelers lack talented playmakers, so Adams would certainly be the best and most established offensive player with offensive skills. Fields has shown he has the ability to back up a WR1, if DJ Moore’s breakout WR6 campaign last year is any indication.

The theme is developing here. Like Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the Los Angeles Chargers tend to hit the rocks and are missing a No. 1 receiver. Either way, they have something the Steelers and Ravens don’t: Justin Herbert.

Herbert is a talented pigskin thrower. His extraordinary talent with weapons is probably unmatched. But in 2024, his skills will be wasted by the Chargers, who rely on rookie second-rounder Ladd McConkey as their primary pass catcher. Insert Adams, forming one of the best quarterback-receiver pairings in the league.

Last season, Herbert was the catalyst for veteran winger Keenan Allen, who finished as the overall WR3 in PPR points per game. Even though he was coached by a different coaching staff, we assumed the gunslinger would know how to maximize Adams’ effectiveness.

Just a few weeks ago this might have seemed unlikely. But with a 3-1 record atop the NFC, Washington’s brass have proven the doubters wrong. Their impressive yet surprising start to the season can be largely attributed to freshman point guard Jayden Daniels.

Through four games, Daniels has looked like a transcendent player who will change the Commanders franchise for the better. Given he’s on a rookie contract, Washington could land a winger – in the Adams vein – if they so desire.

Daniels leads the NFL in expected points added (EPA) per dropback. His extremely efficient play would undoubtedly be a boon to Adams’ fantasy value.

Adams and All-Pro CeeDee Lamb would form the most dangerous receiving tandem in football. But would it be more of a Batman and Robin situation or a 1A/1B situation? Either way, both will have something to eat in this Dallas Cowboys offense.

Dallas ranks first in passing percentage. Although their catchers behind Lamb are suspect.

Jake Ferguson is a solid quarterback. Despite this, it is not suitable as a second air attack option with competitive aspirations. Without a doubt, Dak Prescott would welcome Adams with open arms.

Another aspect that would work in Adams’ favor in Dallas is that the Cowboys have a weakened and injury-riddled defense. As a result, the team will likely find themselves in several shooters and fantasy-friendly environments.

You knew this one would come eventually.

The New York Jets have been associated with Adams virtually since the arrival of his former longtime quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Together, at the height of their powers, they were one of the greatest duos in living memory.

Rodgers didn’t hesitate to express his interest in a reunion (and neither did Adams). Could we see this finally come to fruition?

Adams wouldn’t have much competition for goals, other than Garrett Wilson, who doesn’t seem to be on the same page as Rodgers. His relationship with his signal-caller will make the transition as smooth as possible, keeping his marginal WR1 value constant.

Josh Allen thrives on a makeshift supporting cast led by a second-year quarterback and a 2022 fifth-round receiver. Imagine what someone like Adams could bring to the table for the Buffalo Bills franchise passer.

The Bills were primarily a run-and-gun team under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Ultimately, the combination of Allen and Adams’ talents prevailed, creating a ton of fantastic goodness for all parties involved.

We saw Stefon Diggs have at least 100 receptions, 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns for four consecutive seasons as Allen’s top weapon. It would seem that Adams’ pace would be more than reasonable to sustain him through 17 games if he ended up in Buffalo.

Considering Rashee Rice’s prospects for the rest of the season, what better way to replace him than with Adams? The latter’s ability to dominate as a runner on short and intermediate routes fits perfectly with the way Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have utilized the former. Plus, it helps to join forces with the best quarterback and offensive genius in football.

Rice has essentially taken on the typical Travis Kelce role with the Chiefs. Adams can do the same if given the opportunity, or maybe even better.