Brandon Aiyuk might be the most popular name for the Pittsburgh Steelers to try to acquire, but a recent name has picked up steam: Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams has been mired in trade rumors since last season, and they picked up over the last week after he appeared disgruntled on the series ‘Receiver’ about the Raiders’ quarterback situation. This week, he and his agent released statements that he was ‘locked in’ with the Raiders and did not appear to be on the move.
If he were to move, common logic would say that Adams would want to join Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets. However, could he want to play for the Steelers? Former Steelers offensive tackle Ryan Harris sees one scenario where it makes plenty of sense for Adams to push for a trade to Pittsburgh.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers could use Davante Adams, and players love playing for Mike Tomlin, as I did when I was a Steeler. Sometimes, that comes into play in these decisions as well,” Harris said on CBS Sports.
Is that perhaps too surface-level? Sure. But it could be why Adams would not object to a trade to Pittsburgh if that option presented itself. While a trade for Adams does seem likely for either side, the Raiders could move Adams with minor damage to the future of their team. He has little guaranteed money on his deal after the 2024 season, meaning that the dead cap hits to move Adams are minuscule instead of massive.
In the right circumstances, that could provide the right environment for a trade to the Steelers. It seems more likely that Adams would be a trade deadline candidate if the Raiders do not start the season well under first-year head coach Antonio Pierce. If that scenario presents itself, expect the Steelers to be in the thick of the sweepstakes.
