As speculation grows around the potential split between the Las Vegas Raiders and their star wide receiver Davante Adams, opinions continue to flood in from every corner of the NFL.
One particularly high-profile voice now weighing in is former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who doesn’t seem convinced that Adams is worth what the Raiders are hoping to get in a trade.
Speaking on Underdog Sports, Belichick expressed skepticism over the idea that the Raiders could command a high price, specifically the “second-round pick and then some” that many believe Las Vegas is asking for in exchange for Adams.
According to Belichick, Adams’ age and his hefty contract make such a return unlikely.
“Not for a second-round pick, which supposedly is what they’re asking for,” Belichick declared. “I don’t see how anyone’s going to give up a second-round pick for him. You’d have to think that this guy Adams is going to take us to the promised land, and he’s going to put us over the hump this year because he’s also got a big salary.”
While the 31-year-old Adams is still a top-tier talent despite having 11 NFL seasons under his belt, Belichick pointed out that Las Vegas may have mishandled the situation.
In his view, the Raiders could have avoided this uncertainty by making a move earlier, when they had more leverage to negotiate a better deal.
Belichick emphasized that foresight is crucial in managing potential trade situations.
“It’s a tough situation. That’s why when, when you see that storm coming, and it’s brewing, it’s best to do it earlier, not later,” Belichick said. “And right now, the Raiders are in a tough situation, they really are, but they’ve kind of put themselves into it.
“This wasn’t a big secret, this has been brewing for a while and the longer you put it off, the longer, it seems, to get anything done.”
The Raiders’ playoff hopes for the 2024 season were slim from the start, especially after missing out on signing a marquee quarterback in free agency or the draft.
According to Belichick, if Las Vegas had accepted the reality of their situation earlier in the offseason and entertained trading Adams, they might have gotten closer to their desired return – particularly after standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was taken off the market.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching, the Raiders appear to be at the mercy of a cooling market.
While a trade involving Adams before the deadline still seems likely, Belichick’s assessment paints a picture of a team that miscalculated and is now scrambling to recover.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has publicly stated that he expects Adams to remain on the team. However, his comments seem to be nothing more than a leverage play.
The more likely scenario is that Adams will soon be shipped out of town. While the Jets and Saints are still viewed as top destinations, the Steelers are reportedly making a surge in negotiations.
What are your thoughts on Belichick’s comments? … When it’s all said and done, where will Adams end up???