Davante Adams Trade Rumors: Cowboys Have Shown ‘No Interest’ in Raiders Star

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVOctober 2, 2024

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The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly not among the teams pursuing Las Vegas Raiders superstar wide receiver Davante Adams in a potential trade.

Former longtime Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Clarence Hill Jr. reported Wednesday that the Cowboys have shown “no interest” in Adams. That report was in direct conflict with one from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini earlier Wednesday, as she reported that the Cowboys and New York Jets were both “monitoring” Adams’ situation and had “checked in” with the Raiders.

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported Tuesday that the Raiders were “growing open” to the idea of trading Adams and had reached out to other teams to gauge interest.

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network later reported that it was Adams’ preference to be traded, although there is “nothing imminent” on that front yet.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added further context, noting that the Raiders are looking for a second-round pick as part of the package in return for Adams should he be traded.

Several wideout-needy teams have been speculated as potential landing spots for Adams, but Schefter reported Wednesday that the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are high on his wish list since he previously played with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr.

The Cowboys are seemingly always a possibility when a big name becomes available, especially when they are struggling and need a boost, which is the case for a Dallas team that is off to an uneven 2-2 start.

While Adams would give the Cowboys another much-needed option for quarterback Dak Prescott to rely on at wide receiver, it is difficult to envision that organization being able to afford to bring him in.

Just prior to the start of the 2024 regular season, the Cowboys signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million contract extension and Prescott to a four-year, $240 million extension.

They also have to find a way to extend superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons soon since he can become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Adams is in the midst of a five-year, $140 million deal through 2026, so unless Adams reworks his contract to make it more palatable, it would be extremely difficult for the Cowboys or many other teams to make room for him.

As much as acquiring a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro with four straight 100-catch, 1,000-yard seasons would help, the Cowboys will likely have to look internally for pass-catching options aside from Lamb.

Lamb leads the team in receptions (20), receiving yards (316) and receiving touchdowns (two) this season. Dallas’ No. 2 and 3 wideouts are Jalen Tolbert (13 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown) and Brandin Cooks (nine catches for 91 yards and one touchdown).

Tight end Jake Ferguson is also a beloved target of Prescott, recording 16 grabs for 159 yards in three games.

ESPN’s Todd Archer reported Wednesday that Cooks will miss at least this week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and possibly longer due to an infection that developed in his knee following a procedure.

With Adams likely not walking through the door, Tolbert is solidified as the Cowboys’ WR2 until Cooks returns.

It is also likely that KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks and rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy will be worked more heavily into the offense as well.