Up until just a few days ago, it had felt like there was a never-ending saga at hand between the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk; among other teams previously involved, too.
For those catching up, Aiyuk had been involved in a contract dispute with the 49ers and it seemed to be going no where. There were a whole lot of twists and turns, rumors, tables turning and tides shifting.
At long last, though, the 49ers kept their man. San Francisco and Aiyuk agreed on a 4-year contract, and the trade rumors were over, just like that. Now, the Steelers are still left without another top option next to George Pickens.
But, there could be another wide receiver to come available in the near future. According to Jeff Howe of the New York Times, there are folks around the NFL who believe the Las Vegas Raiders might trade their star wideout.
Wrote Howe:
"Barring an unexpectedly hot start, some around the league are wondering if the Raiders would move receiver Davante Adams at the trade deadline. They need to maximize their draft assets to find a franchise quarterback, and the 31-year-old Adams isn’t likely to be around when the Raiders are ready to make a playoff push."
Davante Adams would be a win-now type of trade, further muddying the waters at quarterback in Pittsburgh.
If you thought the quarterback situation was unsolved in Las Vegas, think again, Davante.
The Steelers may have named Russell Wilson the starter, but there are may who believe it's only a matter of time before Justin Fields takes that away. Now, which quarterback would be better for Adams? That's the big question, and a question worth asking Adams prior to any trade going through.
For the moment, Adams will be catching passes from veteran Gardner Minshew while second-year pro Aidan O'Connell is once again relegated to the backup role. Adams has infamously voted for O'Connell in the past, though, which leads some to believe the team could be doing exactly what the Steelers are going to do.
Both teams would have an easier time moving from the older veteran to the younger player, with Las Vegas going from Minshew to O'Connell and the Steelers going from Wilson to Fields.
But, which situation is a better one?
The answer is a resounding, "Pittsburgh."
The Steelers defense will likely always be a force, so long as the key pieces are healthy and Mike Tomlin is still in charge. Offensively, there are some weapons. Add Adams to a core of Pickens, Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, plus potentially the rushing ability of Fields, and you've got an exciting offense.
At least, it sounds exciting on paper.
But, would the Raiders entertain a trade? It makes sense. They're not going to truly contend this year, and the quarterback situation is far from concrete. At least, Pittsburgh could offer an upgrade under center.