Following last Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers put up quite a fight in order to pull through with their 23-18 win. However, it was the outstanding performance of Raiders wide receiver, Davante Adams, that truly made this game a remarkable challenge for Pittsburgh. Adams effortlessly outperformed the Steelers secondary throughout the entirety of the game and although they ended victorious in Las Vegas, the Steelers' on-field display was far from flawless. Specifically, their running game was inadequate, as they only managed to achieve an average of 3.4 yards per carry. Furthermore, while the defense did manage to secure three interceptions, Pittsburgh struggled to match Adams' unparalleled speed and agility as the renowned three-time All-Pro exploited their weaknesses.
Steelers.com
Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (#23) tackles wide receiver Davante Adams in a regular-season matchup in 2023.
Adams has repeatedly shown himself to be one of the NFL's most dominant wide receivers, spending most of his career with the Green Bay Packers. Adams had been the centerpiece of the Packers' passing offense for years and has become eminent for his flawless route running, powerful hands, and natural ability to make contested receptions. After last Sunday's game, Adams had 13 receptions, two touchdowns and a total of 172 receiving yards for the Raiders. On their opening offensive play of the game, the ball was sent to Adams and although he only managed to gain a few yards, the significance of the catch went much beyond the length of the drive. As soon as the Raiders' PR team witnessed the completion, they promptly took to Twitter to emphasize the profound significance associated with this particular play.
WR Davante Adams has now extended his streak to 117 consecutive games with at least one reception, the fifth longest active streak in the NFL.
— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) September 25, 2023
During the Raiders' second offensive drive against the Steelers, he displayed exceptional performance, resulting in an impressive four catches out of five targets. This show of talent displayed his ability to contribute significantly to the team's offensive strategy and generated a total of 65 receiving yards.
L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Review
Las Vegas Raiders' wide receiver Davante Adams runs off the field following the second half of their preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings
Currently, Adams is earning a salary of $6.03 million and has already been granted a substantial roster bonus of $20 million. If Adams's discontentment reaches a point where it convinces the Raiders to part ways with him, they would be able to do so without facing a significant impact on their salary cap this year. However, there might be a slightly larger repercussion next year, although it would not be severe enough to completely hinder the team's financial stability.
Adams currently leads the Raiders in terms of receiving yards with a total of 322 yards along with three touchdowns. However, if the Raiders continue to struggle and endure a sluggish start to the season, Adams could potentially emerge as their most sought-after trade asset. It is quite evident that Adams has no intention of being involved in any form of rebuilding process, as his desire to stay with a team that is on the decline seems unlikely. Especially after enduring another loss on Sunday, Adams finds himself as a veteran on a mission to win a Super Bowl, and it has been speculated during the 2023 offseason if a trade might possibly be on the table.
Steelers Could See Adams Again In AFC North Battle
One unexpected team that could potentially bring on Adams are the Cincinnati Bengals, primarily due to the lingering uncertainty surrounding the future of Tee Higgins. However, the Bengals possess a genuine opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow as their quarterback. The inclusion of Adams on the team has the potential to increase the chance of this intent even further.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith registers a sack on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the 2022 season opener in Cincinnati.
In addition to Cincinnati, the Cleveland Browns are in need of a player to make up for the loss of running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Adams enters the picture with an indomitable vertical passing game and whose addition will be practical if the Browns want to help quarterback Deshaun Watson and develop an offense that can compete in the AFC against teams like the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills.
The opportunity for Adams to join the AFC North will remain available until Week 8, as the door remains open for him to potentially be on the move. The willingness of the Raiders to trade Adams within the conference are currently uncertain, however, it is widely believed that both Cincinnati and Cleveland will take the initiative to reach out and inquire about the likelihood of acquiring Adams.
What do you think about the prospect of Adams playing for one of the Steelers' division rivals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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