Thursday, May 14, 2026

Davante Adams Will Join Raiders as Highest-Paid Non-QB Ever

  • He signed a five-year, $141.3 million contract ($28.3M per year) — the highest total value and AAV.
  • The move might introduce the NFL’s most lethal pass-catching trio when he joins Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Last summer, Davante Adams said it would be a “dream” to play with his former Fresno State QB, Derek Carr. Now it’s a reality — and the Raiders offense just added one of the best weapons in the NFL.

On Thursday, Las Vegas traded first- and second-round picks to Green Bay in exchange for the five-time Pro-Bowler.

According to NFL Network, Adams will sign a five-year, $141.3 million contract ($28.3 million per year) — the highest total value and AAV for a non-QB in NFL history.

  • Since 2018, he’s first in receiving yards (5,310), TDs (47), and receptions (432).
  • Last season, Adams hauled in 123 receptions (2nd) for 1,553 yards (3rd) and 11 touchdowns (5th). 
  • He broke his own single-season franchise record for TDs and the record for receiving yards in 2020.
  • He had a drop rate of just 1.8% — second-best in the league for receivers with at least 100 receptions behind new teammate Hunter Renfrow. 

The move is the latest — and perhaps loudest — move in what is shaping up to be an AFC West arms race.

The end of Adams’ partnership with Aaron Rodgers could introduce the NFL’s most lethal pass-catching trio when he joins Darren Waller and Renfrow.

The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002, and even with the superstar addition, they’ll have to play six games against the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos.

They have the worst odds (+700*) to win the division and ninth-worst to win the Super Bowl (+4000*).

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

NFL Staying Hands-Off Schedule Videos as Vrabel Jokes Loom

The league isn’t reviewing teams’ schedule release videos in advance.

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.

NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Clarke died on Monday in Southern California, authorities say.
Aug 2, 2024; Nanterre, France; Benjamin Proud (Great Britain), Cameron McEvoy (Australia) and Florent Manaudou (France) in the men’s 50-meter freestyle medal ceremony during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La Défense Arena.
May 11, 2026

The Enhanced Games Want to Be More Than a Steroid Olympics

“There’s a benefit for anyone to live enhanced.”
May 12, 2026

Another Summer of LeBron Is Here

James is not under contract for next season.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Trick Williams Front Office Sports
May 9, 2026

WWE’s Next Big Star Could Be Ex-NFL Hopeful Trick Williams

The former South Carolina wideout is now WWE’s U.S. champion.
May 6, 2026

Napheesa Collier Admits Engelbert Rant Was For CBA Leverage

The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a new labor deal in March.
May 6, 2026

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.
Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.