With a 10-7 record, the Los Angeles Rams surprised everyone in the NFL last season by making it into the NFC Playoffs. They intend to do even more this year by making a strong playoff run in the NFL. But first, they must figure out a way to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, the division opponent and reigning NFC champion.
Thankfully, Matthew Stafford is a reliable quarterback for the Rams. They also have Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, two explosive wide receivers. The latter of these two players, with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards last season, established two NFL rookie records.
Their running game is solid, with Kyren Williams leading the charge with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Nevertheless, there are concerns about their defense, particularly following the retirement of Aaron Donald, a future Hall of Famer. To stay competitive in their division alongside the 49ers, Los Angeles might have to bolster both offensive and defensive capabilities.
NFL Analyst Suggests the Los Angeles Rams Trade for Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Davante Adams
As previously noted, the Rams already boast a formidable duo of All-Pro wide receivers in Kupp and Nacua. Yet, to construct an offense that challenges every NFL defense, they could explore a trade for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams.
In a recent Bleacher Report article by NFL analyst Gary Davenport, he proposes that Los Angeles should consider trading a first-round pick for Adams, who faces the prospect of playing with subpar quarterbacks in the near future:
“While the Rams may not necessarily lack for receivers—rookie sensation Puka Nacua set a new standard for first-year players with his record-breaking receiving yards, and despite recent injury setbacks, Cooper Kupp achieved a ‘Triple Crown’ of NFL receiving stats in 2021—adding Adams to the mix would give Matthew Stafford the most formidable trio of wideouts in the league.
“Acquiring Adams wouldn’t come cheap, but few NFL general managers are as willing to part with first-round picks as Les Snead. The Rams haven’t picked in the first round since Jared Goff in 2016, making the cost substantial. Managing Adams’ salary under the cap would also pose challenges, although such financial maneuvers are routine in the league.
“If the Rams aim to challenge a strong San Francisco 49ers team in the NFC West come 2024, this could be the pivotal move needed.”
As Davenport points out, acquiring Adams would require sacrificing a first-round pick in the upcoming season, but the potential benefits could justify the investment, especially given Adams’ contract through 2026.
Would the Los Angeles Rams Trading for Davante Adams Be Worth It?
With Adams in the lineup, there is little question that the Rams would be a superior club. When all is said and done, he is a generational talent who very well could wind up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Nevertheless, rather than forfeiting opportunities to select talented young players in favor of aging veterans, the Rams must now compete and get younger. If they select well, they may be able to hang onto their draft pick and have a longer window of opportunity, but adding Adams now might offer them a chance to win a Super Bowl within the next year or two.