With an average age of 26.6 entering the 2023 season, the Las Vegas Raiders had the fourth oldest roster in the NFL. Given that the team has only made one playoff trip in the last six seasons, the next full-time general manager may elect to bring in younger players.
Davante Adams, who turns 31 in December, is still playing at a high level. The idea of trading Adams and going after Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was suggested by Bleacher Report.
“The fact is, Adams is 30 years old and has spent much of his career as a contender.” In a November 13 essay, BR NFL Staff stated, “It might be worth it to trade him away for what should be a solid return on investment.”
“That would leave a huge void for a No. 1 wide receiver, which is what Tee Higgins will be looking for in free agency.” The Bengals receiver has been an excellent running partner for Ja’Marr Chase, but he has the potential to be the indisputable No. 1.”
Higgins, who is only 24 years old, is coming off back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. With Ja’Marr Chase ready for a large paycheck, the Bengals may decide against offering him a big contract. This would allow a team like the Raiders to sign Higgins in free agency.
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What Kind of Contract Will Tee Higgins Be Looking For?
Considering the Raiders are paying Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow big money to play wide receiver, it seems like a longshot that they’d want another expensive player at the position barring a trade. According to Spotrac, Tee Higgins’ market value is four years, $63.7 million. Higgins might be able to get even more than that on the open market. However, he is in the midst of a lackluster season. He’s missed three games with an injury and has just 328 receiving yards. With quarterback Joe Burrow now out for the season, it’s unlikely Higgins will get to 1,000 receiving yards. Coming off a weak season, his asking price could go down.
Higgins may still be able to land a huge deal because many teams value wide receivers, but it’s difficult to see him becoming one of the top-five highest-paid wide outs.
Should Las Vegas Raiders Keep Davante Adams Long-Term?
Even with the Raiders going 2-0 in the Antonio Pierce trade, Davante Adams trade rumors abound. Why keep a soon-to-be 31-year-old wide receiver who could help a contender? Adams has never expressed a desire to be traded, and the Raiders were the team he desired to play for.
On the field and in the locker room, he’s a vital piece for Las Vegas. The Raiders’ desire to stay could be determined by the outcome of this season. If Pierce and interim general manager Champ Kelly perform well enough to earn full-time positions, it’s difficult to see them leaving Adams. Unless a team comes along and offers a ludicrous trade package for Adams in the winter, Adams will most likely remain with the Raiders next season.
Since 2019, Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com. His main work at Heavy includes interviews with NFL stars Darren Waller and Joe Montana, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.” He is a Los Angeles native now based in Las Vegas. More information on Austin Boyd
