Cleveland Browns News & Rumors

To no surprise, several potential suitors have emerged for Davante Adams. The Raiders All-Pro is on board with a trade, and Vegas has begun reaching out to teams which could be interested in acquiring him midway through the campaign.

The Browns should also be labeled as a candidate to add Adams, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com writes. Sitting at 1-3 on the year, the team has work to do on offense to contend for a postseason berth. Adding a premier wideout would certainly help in that regard, although the status of Amari Cooper would become a key factor in any serious Adams pursuit on the part of the Browns.

Cooper’s short- and long-term future was a talking point during the offseason, one in which he agreed to a revised contract. The pending free agent was part of the Browns’ offer to the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk, but the second-team All-Pro did not want to be dealt to Cleveland. As such, Cooper has remained atop the team’s WR depth chart in 2024, his third season since being dealt by the Cowboys. The 2022 and ’23 campaigns resulted in a total of 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing the former first-rounder’s continued ability to operate as a No. 1 receiver.

Cooper’s contract status makes him a logical candidate to be dealt ahead of the 2024 deadline (November 5), especially if the Browns are unable to rebound from their poor start. Adams will require a reworked deal upon arrival with a new team, however, and any long-term commitments from Cleveland will need to keep in mind the outstanding compensation due to quarterback Deshaun Watson. Two years remain on Watson’s deal, and all of his remaining money is fully guaranteed. Cleveland made a notable receiver addition in the spring by trading for and extending Jerry Jeudy; the former Broncos first-rounder is on the books through 2027.

Elsewhere on the Adams front, both The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and veteran insider Jordan Schultz report the Jets are seen around the league as the frontrunner to finalize a trade. New York represents an obvious landing spot given the mutual interest in a reunion between Adams and former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers. The pair spent eight years together in Green Bay, and both spoke during the offseason about the possibility of teaming up with the Jets.

As expected, New York is one of the teams which has called about Adams’ availability in a deal. The Raiders – believed to want a compensation package beginning with a second-round pick – have also been linked to the Bills, Saints and Steelers regarding a trade for the six-time Pro Bowler. The Cowboys are not expected to pursue Adams, although Vegas should still have a number of offers to choose from in the near future. Further details have emerged regarding how the situation has reached this point.

Adams was away from the Raiders during training camp due to the birth of his first son. He was absent for 10 days, a period which Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes was longer than the team expected (subscription required). Upon return, Adams made it clear he preferred not to play in Vegas’ second preseason contest. Head coach Antonio Pierce replied that he expected the three-time All-Pro to play if healthy. Adams was listed as injured one day later.

As the Fresno State product rehabs the legitimate hamstring injury which sidelined him for Week 4, Pierce remains at the center of this ongoing saga. The first-year head coach liked an Instagram post suggesting Adams would be dealt, something which sparked the latest round of speculation regarding a move being made. When asked to comment on the matter, Pierce declined (h/t Tafur).

Healthy or otherwise, Adams could easily find himself out of the lineup for Week 5 as the Raiders seek out a suitable trade agreement. The relationship between Adams and Pierce has been strained recently, and a change of scenery for the former could be beneficial to all involved. It will be interesting to see how the trade market emerges over the coming days.