Video: Raiders’ Antonio Pierce Sidesteps Davante Adams Trade Rumors, IG Drama

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 2, 2024

Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce “is just focused on Denver.”

Pierce was asked about Davante Adams’ trade request and his own liking of a social-media post suggesting the wide receiver could be done with the Raiders on Wednesday but instead largely sidestepped the question by mentioning the veteran’s hamstring injury and saying he is focused on the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos:

Vegas Sports Today @VegasSportsTDAntonio Pierce reacts to the latest Davante Adams trade rumors.

🎥: @Sean_Zittel | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/odnE5bQ0xp

The Adams situation has been under the spotlight since NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that the receiver told the Raiders he wanted to be traded.

But it already took a turn Monday when Pierce appeared to like a post saying Adams may have played his final game in Las Vegas:

Michael Fabiano @Michael_FabianoInteresting … look who liked this post. pic.twitter.com/svAwY30rDc

For his part, the wide receiver addressed the situation during an appearance on the Up & Adams show on Tuesday:

Up & Adams @UpAndAdamsShow3x All Pro WR Davante Adams addresses his HC Antonio Pierce liking a post suggesting Adams will be traded…

“I haven’t heard from him (Pierce)… I don’t really know exactly what that’s all about.”@heykayadams @tae15adams @Raiders pic.twitter.com/xMusj9nMFx

“Honestly, it’s hard to comment on,” he said. “You could imagine as such. It’s one of those situations where I keep my head down and keep doing my thing, and let the chips fall where they may as it pertains to that. There’s been no communication with anybody from the team since that became a thing. But it’s kinda like the weekly ‘What’s up with Tae?’ thing. There’s always some sort of drama.”

The question now is whether Adams will be traded and where his destination will be if he is moved.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Wednesday that many around the NFL believe he will be traded to the New York Jets and reunite with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers.

Adams caught passes from the future Hall of Famer for eight seasons with the Packers from 2014 through 2021 and had more than 1,300 receiving yards three times and double-digit touchdown receptions five times in that span. He also led the league with 18 touchdown catches in 2020 with Green Bay.

Pairing him with wide receiver Garrett Wilson would make life particularly difficult for opposing secondaries, as they likely couldn’t double both of them and still account for Breece Hall and the rushing attack.

As for Piece, he is looking to build on the momentum created by Las Vegas’ Week 4 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Adams didn’t play in that game because of a hamstring injury, and his status moving forward is very much in doubt.