Jets fans who dreamed of trading Davante Adams this winter may have woken up from that dream on Friday.
According to multiple reports, the Raiders will remove the interim tag from Antonio Pierce and make him their head coach.
This move could end any thoughts that the Raiders will trade Adams this offseason, or that Adams will request a trade.
Adams, the team's star receiver, was rarely targeted under coach Josh McDaniels and was unhappy at the beginning of the 2023 season.
This led to speculation that the Raiders would trade Adams.
The Jets inquired about Adams' availability multiple times before the Oct. 31 trade deadline, but were told he was unavailable.
McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were surprisingly fired the day after the trade deadline.
As a result, many believed that the Raiders would undergo a rebuild in 2024 and that Adams might be available.
The Jets needed a wide receiver to partner with Garrett Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Adams was an obvious fit since they spent eight years as teammates with the Packers.
However, McDaniels was replaced by former Giants linebacker Pierce, and they went 5-4 for the remainder of the season.
Adams was one of several Raiders who spoke out in support of Pierce.
“That was my vote and basically the whole locker room feels that way,” Adams said of Pierce's induction. “For good reason. He came in and did a great job. He continues to impress us. It's not just comfortable. I think having AP here is good for this organization. I think. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider. That mentality, that product, and everything he stands for. [are] What I believe.
“For a guy like me, it's a no-brainer, especially being able to interact with him a little bit this year and get to know him and see his evolution in front of the team. All of that, as a head coach. All different areas. I’m definitely rooting for him.”
The Raiders have not yet hired a GM, but interim champion Kelly could take the job.
Given Adams' support for Pierce, it seems highly unlikely that he would want to leave Las Vegas.
The Raiders' hiring of Pierce also shows they don't feel a complete rebuild is necessary.
All of this could leave the Jets without the option of trading Adams.
The Jets could fill the wide receiver hole through free agency.
Tee Higgins, Mike Evans and Michael Pittman are all scheduled to become free agents unless their teams re-sign them or use the franchise tag.
The Adams trade rumors won't be completely crushed until Pierce or the team's new GM come out and say they won't trade him, but it now appears that he'll be in the silver and black in 2024 instead of the green and white. It seems like the possibility of this happening is increasing.
