Why star Raiders receiver Davante Adams could end up in New Orleans

The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly informed NFL teams that they would “consider” trading star wide receiver Davante Adams. The Raiders are reportedly asking for a price as a second-round draft choice as well as additional compensation. One alleged suitor is the New Orleans Saints.

Adams, 31, is a three-time All-Pro wideout and six-time Pro Bowler, now in his 11th year. He played his first eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers. There he had 669 receptions for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns.

During the 2022 offseason, the Packers traded Adams to the Raiders in exchange for first- and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his first two seasons with Las Vegas, Adams caught 203 passes for 2,660 yards and 22 scores. He had 18 receptions and 209 yards in three games this season before missing last week's win against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury.

This year's NFL trade deadline is November 5th. Several teams have already been considered as possible destinations for Adams if the Raiders do indeed trade him. One of them is the New Orleans Saints.

Any team interested in acquiring Adams will face some complications. However, there are several reasons why Adams might be interested in New Orleans.

Davante Adams played college at Fresno State between 2012 and 2013. In those two years with the Bulldogs, he had 233 receptions for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. He led the NCAA with 131 catches and 1,719 yards in 2013.

Derek Carr was Adams' quarterback during his two years at Fresno State. After a standout 2012, Carr led the NCAA in passing yards (5,083), touchdowns (50) and completions in 2013.

Both players parlayed their college success into second-round selections in the 2014 NFL Draft. Carr was selected 36th overall by the Oakland Raiders and current Saints coach Dennis Allen. Adams came to Green Bay 53rd overall.

When Adams moved from Green Bay to the Raiders in 2022, they were considered one of his preferred destinations because of his relationship with Carr. After reuniting in Las Vegas, Adams caught 100 passes for 1,516 yards and an NFL-high 14 points.

Adams played with QB Aaron Rodgers during his eight-year tenure in Green Bay. Rodgers is now with the New York Jets, another team reportedly interested in Adams. Perhaps a connection dating back to his college days would be enough to convince Adams to come to New Orleans.

Another Fresno State connection to Adams in New Orleans is Saints WR coach Keith Williams. He was the WR coach at Fresno State from 2009 to 2011 before taking the same position at Tulane in 2012.

While Williams Adams never coached at Fresno State, he played an important role in recruiting the wideout to the Bulldogs. Adams arrived at Fresno State in 2011, when Williams was still on the staff but redshirted that season.

NFL insider Adam Schefter has reported that Adams considers Williams one of his mentors. This certainly suggests a close relationship that could influence Adams in his decision.

Additionally, Dave Ziegler was the Raiders' general manager when they traded for Adams. Ziegler is currently in his first year as a front office assistant with the Saints.

Kubiak is in his first year as New Orleans' offensive coordinator. It's an offense that currently leads the NFL with 127 points scored after four games. Carr has completed 72% of his throws so far for 824 yards and six touchdown passes.

New Orleans wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are off to spectacular starts. The wideouts have combined to catch 35 passes for 517 yards so far. However, no other wideout or tight end has provided any kind of consistent complementary threat. The other receivers on the roster combined for five receptions and 26 yards.

Kubiak's system traditionally isolates wideouts, backs and tight ends in ideal matchups. It's a scheme that players enjoy taking part in and often succeed. Perhaps this and the long familiarity with Carr and Williams will prompt Adams to consider a move to the New Orleans Saints.