Davante Adams trade is a double gut punch to Steelers ahead of Week 7

The Pittsburgh Steelers are grimacing after facing a missed opportunity as they head into their Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets. In a move that shocked the league, All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Jets for a mere fourth-round pick, a surprisingly low price for one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL.

Despite the Steelers being involved in the bidding, Adams ultimately chose to reunite with Aaron Rodgers in New York, leaving Pittsburgh without a much-needed offensive weapon.

The Steelers’ inconsistent offense under head coach Arthur Smith has been glaring all season. The team has struggled with consistency, and the passing game has lacked the spark necessary to keep opposing defenses honest.

Adams could have answered those problems, providing a game-changing presence on the outside and a reliable target for the Steelers’ quarterbacks. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches eludes Pittsburgh’s offense.

Steelers were never an option for Davante Adams

Running back Cordarrelle Patterson even took matters into his own hands, doing his best to recruit Adams to Pittsburgh after the Steelers’ Week 7 win. Unfortunately, those efforts were in vain, as Adams was traded to the Jets on Tuesday morning. The fact that the Jets were able to acquire him for such a low price makes this missed opportunity sting even more for the Steelers, who now face Adams in his first game with his new team.

What makes this situation even more challenging for Pittsburgh is the history between Adams and Aaron Rodgers. The duo was one of the most lethal quarterback-receiver tandems during their time together in Green Bay, and their reunion under the primetime lights of Sunday Night Football will add extra drama to an already pivotal matchup.

Rodgers will likely lean on Adams early and often, especially as Adams looks to make an immediate impact with the Jets.

For the Steelers, the failed attempt to land Adams will only hurt more if they lose to the Jets on Sunday. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that Adams had the chance to choose Pittsburgh but went elsewhere—and then played a key role in defeating them. The Steelers' defense will have their hands full trying to contain Adams, and a loss in this scenario could highlight just how costly it was to miss out on acquiring him.

As Pittsburgh prepares for this crucial game, the shadow of their failed trade attempt looms large. The outcome of Sunday night’s contest could very well hinge on the performance of the receiver who chose the Jets over the Steelers, making this one of the more painful storylines of the season if things don’t go Pittsburgh’s way.