ATLANTA — The Davante Adams trade was barely a few hours old Tuesday when Raiders owner Mark Davis was asked about speculation that the move might lead to a full teardown of the team, including trading Maxx Crosby.
Davis shot down the idea immediately, saying, “It’s just not happening.”
The speculation, he said, is not grounded in truth.
“It’s unfortunate today, but there’s so much outside chatter that is not true,” Davis said. “It’s not coming from any sources. It’s not coming from anything. My basic thing is never to answer all that stuff because otherwise you get trapped in this black hole.”
The Raiders dealt Adams, their star wide receiver, to the Jets on Tuesday, ending a three-week saga that began with Adams requesting a trade.
Several factors led to his request. Among them were his relationship with coach Antonio Pierce had deteriorated, and he was frustrated over the Raiders’ inability to acquire a viable quarterback after releasing Derek Carr in 2022.
New York gave up a conditional 2025 third-round pick in the deal. The pick will convert to a second-rounder if Adams is a first- or second-team All-Pro this season or is on the Jets’ active roster for the AFC title game or Super Bowl.
“It’s part of this life in football,” Davis said. “Players come and go. If things don’t work out, they don’t work out.”
Crosby, one of the NFL’s best defensive ends, is under contract through 2026, though neither the $22.236 million he is on the books for in 2025 nor the $18.840 million in 2026 is guaranteed.
The 28-year-old, the heart and soul of the franchise who has talked about being a Raider for life, is someone the team wants to build around. He’s also a fan favorite who has grown into the face of the franchise.
Davis made it clear that trading him is not an option.
Support for Pierce
Davis expressed dissatisfaction with the Raiders’ 2-4 start but remains optimistic that better days are ahead.
“We’re not happy right now. We’re not performing like we’d like to,” he said. “But the season is young, and we’ll see what we can put together.”
Davis expressed support for coach Antonio Pierce, whom he named to replace Josh McDaniels as interim coach after eight games last season. Pierce was named the full-time coach in January. At the time, Davis said Pierce, who had less than two years of NFL coaching experience, would need time to grow into the job.
He reiterated that point Tuesday.
“He’s young as a head coach. He’s going to learn how to be a head coach,” Davis said. “He’s surrounded himself with a lot of good people. He’s just got to grow into the job. It’s his first year, really.”
Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco are in their first season as the team’s football leaders. Davis said their plan will take time to materialize.
“They have a vision, and they’re attacking it,” Davis said. “It’s not easy to do overnight.”
Adams expected to play
Adams missed the Raiders’ past three games with a hamstring injury that coincided with his request to be traded. But he said Wednesday at the Jets’ facility that he would be ready to play against the Steelers on Sunday night.
“Definitely, I’ll be able to roll,” said Adams, who was limited during the Jets’ walk-through session.
After a whirlwind 48 hours and months of speculation, he was back with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and in his familiar No. 17 jersey — this time in green and white.
“It’s been a roller coaster, for sure,” Adams said. “It’s a weird thing to say that I’m happy, but obviously, it was time for a change. And this whole thing kind of transpired a little weird, but at the end of the day, we’re in a better place.
“I think the Raiders are in a better place, as well. And everyone can kind of move on.”
When asked about what he meant by both sides being better off, Adams said, “Let me choose my words carefully here” and talked about a difference in opinion of how he was being used, some of the offensive plans and how defenses were defending him.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. Contact Vincent Bonsignore at [email protected]. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.
