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Buffalo Sports News

Would Bills Risk Davante Adams Trade After Stefon Diggs Drama?

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Davante Adams trade

The Buffalo Bills committed to a change in their offensive identity when they traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in April. Would they be willing to ditch their new “everybody eats” approach in order to acquire Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams? It’s a pressing question after the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that Adams informed the Raiders of his desire for a trade. The 31-year-old wideout immediately becomes the most prominent player available ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

Before last week, the Bills’ answer after a 3-0 start would have probably been a resounding no. A 35-10 blowout loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens may get general manager Brandon Beane to reconsider his options, though. Coincidentally, the Adams conversation comes as Buffalo prepares to face off with Diggs and his new Houston teammates in Week 5 on Sunday.

Will Buffalo Bills Target Davante Adams Trade?

Looking Back at Stefon Diggs Drama

Diggs played a massive role in Josh Allen’s development into a perennial MVP candidate. Having a true No. 1 target in key moments is crucial for a young quarterback. Their connection helped hide a lot of other issues within the Buffalo offense.

The duo’s relationship first showed serious signs of cracking during a playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of the 2022 season, however. The always-outspoken wideout was shown having a demonstrative one-way discussion with the signal-caller:

While they publicly maintained the partnership was still strong, it never felt the same again. Diggs didn’t appear as mentally engaged throughout the 2023 season. In turn, the Bills’ offense began to evolve away from him as its main option midway through the campaign.

Ahead of Sunday’s Bills-Texans clash, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler spoke with several sources about the end of the four-time Pro Bowler’s time in Buffalo. The common theme was an agreement from all sides that it was time for everybody to move on.

“Tremendous player,” a Bills source told Fowler. “But the offense didn’t need him anymore.” A member of the Minnesota Vikings organization, where Diggs spent the first five years of his NFL career before pushing for a trade, chimed in: “It all felt very familiar.”

Meanwhile, someone from Diggs’ camp explained to Fowler the wide receiver knows when it’s time to change teams and pulls the right strings to make it happen. “If he’s not happy somewhere, he’s smart enough to maneuver his way out,” the source told ESPN. Allen and Diggs both appear far happier in 2024.

Adams’ Fit on Current Bills Roster

Another quote from Fowler’s article stood out amid the Adams rumors. It was about the balance of what Diggs brings in relation to his occasional on-field outbursts.

“It can be a lot,” the source said. “He might throw his helmet. He will wear on your quarterback. But find me a premier receiver that’s not a diva. … And he works incredibly hard. That’s why coaches love him.” The Bills lived the entire Diggs cycle: embrace, produce, grow frustrated, leave. They also watched from afar as Adams followed the same arc in Las Vegas.

So, although Adams is a definite fit from a football perspective, that’s not the only issue in play.

On the field, the three-time First Team All-Pro selection would give Buffalo a No. 1 target again. He recorded 103 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 despite lackluster QB play. He tallied 18 catches in the first three games this year but missed last week with a hamstring injury. Adams’ presence would open up more space for fellow receiver Khalil Shakir, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and the rest of the Bills’ passing game options.

Yet, the Bills—specifically Allen, head coach Sean McDermott, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady—have spent every day since training camp preaching the merits of balance. That’s in regard to both run-pass rates and target share among pass-catchers. An Adams trade would immediately reshape the offensive foundation and force a change to the unit’s mindset.

Will Adams Land in Buffalo Before Trade Deadline?

The answer, at least entering Week 5, is likely no. That’s still different from definitely not, though. The way the Ravens dominated the Bills in all three phases created concern. Losing on the road to another AFC contender is fine. Getting completely destroyed is another story.

A lot will depend on how Buffalo performs between now and the deadline. Here’s a look at the difficult schedule it faces through early November:

While the Bills were seemingly on cruise control toward the playoffs at 3-0, the outlook is now a bit murkier. It’s possible their record could be along the lines of 5-4 at the deadline. If that’s the case, and Adams hasn’t already been moved, Beane will have to consider a blockbuster trade more seriously.

The Bills’ lopsided loss to the Ravens may have just been a blip on the radar, though. Playing on a short week against the NFL’s most punishing ground game is a tough ask. Perhaps Buffalo bounces back with a momentum-restoring win over Houston on Sunday. That would probably make the Adams trade talk fade away in short order.

Main Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports

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