Tim Benz: Steelers need to make the Davante Adams trade happen
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In the movie world, a sequel is rarely as good as the original. But seeing as how the Steelers’ first attempt at replacing wide receiver Diontae Johnson didn’t go as scripted, maybe the organization’s second try will have a better ending.
No, after innumerable plot twists, Brandon Aiyuk didn’t make his great escape from San Francisco. Instead, he stayed and signed a contract extension with the 49ers despite months of trade rumors that constantly seemed to place him in Pittsburgh before the start of the regular season.
Now we are rebooting the speculation as to who might fill the void left by the trade of Johnson to Carolina as the No. 2 receiver opposite George Pickens.
Enter our new leading man, Davante Adams. The Raiders’ pass catcher wants out of Las Vegas. His preferred stage is New York, so he can reunite with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Adams made five Pro Bowls catching passes from Rodgers when the two were teammates in Green Bay from 2014-21.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, though, the Steelers are one of many other clubs in the mix for Adams.
“According to sources informed of Adams’ thinking, he is open to playing for several other teams. The New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and perhaps the San Francisco 49ers are among teams that either have inquired about the six-time Pro Bowler or are places Adams would be happy landing,” Rapoport reported Thursday morning.
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That’s a lot more competition than the Steelers faced in the Aiyuk saga. Only two teams — the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns — made trade offers that the 49ers were willing to accept, but Aiyuk wasn’t interested in playing for those franchises.
He would’ve been willing to come to Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ contract package and trade offer seemed close enough to get talks near the finish line, but they never got over the top.
If the Steelers really are in the running for Adams this time around, general manager Omar Khan has to close a deal.
Johnson’s absence is every bit the blank space on the roster that many Steelers observers suggested it would be. Despite pushback from the front office, the coaching staff and some blind loyalists in the fanbase, no one currently on the team has proven to be a worthy replacement.
For as much promise as was advanced that the likes of Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller could handle that job collectively, they have accounted for just 14 catches, 192 yards and one touchdown as a threesome. Rookie Roman Wilson hasn’t even gotten on the field thanks to a training camp ankle injury.
By contrast, Johnson has 15 catches for 205 yards and two scores over the past two games alone for the Panthers.
The Steelers need the help, and they have the cap space to retain Adams if they rework his contract for 2025. There is an out built into his Raiders deal after 2024. But with a cap hit in excess of $35 million, that was destined to be reconfigured or he would hit free agency. For the rest of 2024, Adams is slated to make roughly $1 million per game.
Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com has advanced that the Raiders may get nothing more than a third-round pick and “maybe some change” for the 31-year-old. Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com has reported that the Raiders are seeking a second-round draft pick and additional compensation.
If the Raiders are sticking to a second-rounder, and no one else is willing to go to beyond a third, Khan should give up the second-rounder. Especially since — and say it with me — “every player in the league (allegedly) wants to play for Mike Tomlin,” then the Steelers should be able to extend Adams’ contract at reasonable rate and make the second-round compensation worthwhile.
After all, based on the team’s needs, would it stun you if the Steelers spent a second- or third-rounder on a wide receiver this offseason anyway? Why not get one you know is good right now for another two-and-a-half years or so?
In Pittsburgh, the Aiyuk story was loaded with drama but was anticlimactic in the final pages. Time for a rewrite from “the Khan Artist” and Tomlin.
Most sequels need a new character or two. I certainly know the Steelers wide receiver room is in need of at least one.
Make it Davante Adams.