The New Orleans Saints were one of the big winners during the 2023 NFL offseason. In need of a quarterback, since Drew Brees announced his retirement two years ago, New Orleans filled that void by signing Derek Carr.
Carr’s tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders came to an unceremonious end days after the Super Bowl when they released him before his contract became guaranteed. Landing with the Saints is a great spot for him as he will be surrounded by a very strong supporting cast.
Chris Olave is one of the best up-and-coming young wide receivers in the NFL after a strong rookie season. The Saints were able to work out a deal to bring back Michael Thomas for at least one more season after injuries marred his last three campaigns. Running back Alvin Kamara remains in the fold as well.
Could New Orleans add another weapon to the mix that Carr is familiar with? Some rumors are floating around that the Raiders could look to trade wide receiver Davante Adams after having him on the roster for only one season. The Saints were mentioned as a potential suitor for the All-Pro by Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.
Adams is heading into the second year of a record-breaking five-year, $141.25 million contract he signed with the Raiders last offseason after being traded to Sin City from the Green Bay Packers. He reportedly doesn’t see eye-to-eye with the organization for plans offensively, which could lead to a change of scenery.
“The question is whether that’s what the team chooses to do — and whether that’s the outcome Adams is trying to instigate,” Florio wrote. “… The Jets surely don’t have a spot for him, not with so many solid receivers on the roster. The Saints would be an intriguing option, allowing for another reunion with Derek Carr.
“Fascinating possibilities, as contenders go, include the Bills and Giants. Regardless, a trade is not an impossibility. The cap consequence is manageable, and the current cap charge is unavoidable.”
Moving him after one season would be an unprecedented move, but one Florio believes is a possibility. What could a trade between the Saints and Raiders look like to reunite Adams with Carr again?
Florio notes that Las Vegas would be seeking a significant haul to make a move. New Orleans could offer their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, almost an identical package to what they paid to acquire him.
Adding Adams to a wide receiver room that already includes Olave and Thomas would give them the best trio in the league on paper. It would be virtually impossible to slow them down when taking into account Kamara in the backfield and improving tight end Juwan Johnson also returning to the fold.
If the opportunity presented itself, you can be sure the Saints would explore the possibility of adding Adams. He is a true gamebreaker and they would have the makings of one of the best offensive units in the NFL. Making the money work could take some effort, but it would be worthwhile adding a player of that caliber to the roster.
