The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown several vulnerabilities just five games into the 2024 season, with depth concerns along the offensive line, outside linebacker, and cornerback positions. However, the most pressing issue is wide receiver, which urgently needs attention. George Pickens had a strong start to the season, but his performance in Week 5 was underwhelming. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, General Manager Omar Khan may need to explore trade options to bolster the wide receiver corps.
One notable name on the trading block is star receiver Davante Adams, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the Las Vegas Raiders and requested a trade following a fallout with the organization a few weeks ago. Adams reportedly has a couple of preferred destinations, including the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. However, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter on *NFL Live*, trade discussions between the Raiders and those teams have slowed down due to recent developments.
“Davante Adams obviously would like to be in New Orleans, would like to be in New York with the Jets, there has been discussions. But I think the events in New York and the events in New Orleans may have slowed down talks with those two teams, and we’ll see if and when they can pick up steam because everybody does expect that Adams will be traded, we just don’t know where or when,” Schefter said. “The Jets are going through a head coaching change, New Orleans has an injured quarterback, and we’ll see how that impacts Davante Adams going forward.”
Adams’ preference for the Jets or Saints stems from his desire to reunite with his former quarterbacks—Aaron Rodgers from his time with the Green Bay Packers and Derek Carr, whom he played with in college and for one season in the NFL. However, both teams are facing issues that could make these destinations less viable. Carr sustained an oblique injury during the Saints’ Week 5 game, forcing him to miss at least two weeks. With New Orleans currently at 2-3 and facing the possibility of falling to 2-5 without their starting quarterback, the Saints may no longer be an ideal option for Adams, who wants to join a winning team.
Similarly, the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, which could slow down any trade discussions involving Adams. While Adams still might want to reunite with Rodgers, the Jets’ offensive struggles and organizational changes complicate the situation. This slowdown in trade talks with Adams’ preferred destinations could give the Steelers an opportunity to make a move. Pittsburgh has reportedly already made some aggressive offers to acquire Adams and might be in a position to strike as other suitors pause negotiations.
