The Buffalo Bills began the season with a strong 3-0 record, but after two straight losses, it’s become clear that quarterback Josh Allen could use a new receiving partner in light of wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ absence.
Following the Bills’ Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans and considering injury issues and gaps in the roster, Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department recommended that Buffalo make a serious effort to acquire star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders.
“In the 23-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday, Allen was without his main target, Khalil Shakir. The Bills’ passing game struggled, aside from a 49-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Keon Coleman,” Bleacher Report noted. “Shakir’s short-term injury exposed the vulnerability in the Bills’ aerial attack, which should prompt the team’s front office to urgently pursue Davante Adams.”
Reports from around the league suggest that the Bills are among the teams that have already reached out to the Raiders about acquiring Adams. However, trade discussions have yet to progress for Buffalo or any other team, largely due to Las Vegas’ high asking price.
The Raiders are reportedly seeking a second-round pick plus another asset for Adams, who is currently 32 years old and dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last two games.
“League sources believe that Adams is aiming to join the [New York] Jets, but the Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have also expressed interest,” wrote Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. “The [New Orleans] Saints are another team Adams has shown interest in. However, the Raiders’ demand for a second-round pick is considered steep, especially given the market for receivers like Keenan Allen (a fourth-round pick) and Stefon Diggs (around a third-round pick) earlier in the offseason.”
Additionally, Adams is in the third year of a five-year, $140 million contract.
Teams have requested that the Raiders cover part of Adams’ salary if they want a second- or third-round pick in return, but Las Vegas has remained firm in its stance during negotiations so far.