Steelers Are The Perfect Landing Spot For Raiders' Davante Adams: "We Saw What Mike Tomlin Was Able To Do With Antonio Brown"

When Pittsburgh Steelers fans heard that Brandon Aiyuk chose to re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers right before the start of the 2024 season, they thought that the crazy receiver speculation was over. However, this week, Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders has burst onto the trade talk scene. That meant that anyone with a social media account would put in their two cents as to where he might go, and to no surprise, Pittsburgh is one of the top franchises being mentioned. 

Devin McCourty and Mike Florio of NFL on NBC recently spoke about Adams and all of the implications of trading for him. They also broke down the pros and cons of the various teams he is considering. McCourty, who played defensive back for the New England Patriots for 13 years, is very familiar with the Steelers and likes that pairing. McCourty believes the Black and Gold need someone with his skill set. 

"I would love to see him go to the Steelers. I think most importantly, they have a strong figurehead as a head coach who will push the team forward. I think a lot of Mike Tomlin and you give him a guy like Davante Adams... we saw what Mike Tomlin was able to do with Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell. Yes, those teams fell short at times, but when we got to see those guys in other places, we realized, like wow, Mike Tomlin's a genius. Not only did they win football games, he handled all of those different personalities."

There is no disputing that the Steelers need to add another solid wide receiver. Despite the reassurances from Head Coach Mike Tomlin heading into the season about how confident he is in the group that he has, there is still concern. Quarterback Justin Fields is showing improvement every week, but he needs reliable targets. 

The fact that two tight ends and a running back are in the top five for receiving so far this season speaks volumes. George Pickens certainly possesses elite talent, but he cannot carry the team alone. He needs someone to help take the burden off of him on the field and be a second option or a distraction. Adams certainly fits the bill. He is 31 years old, but proves his playing days are not quite done. There has also been talk that he is open to coming to the Steel City. McCourty thinks that Adams, under Tomlin's guidance, could push them to the next level. 

"I just think of Mike Tomlin and Davante Adams going there, how fast they could get on the same page and it could all be pushed towards that team winning. That would be fun to see, and I think Mike Tomlin will be able to handle everything that comes along with that, and keep the team from not being distracted by anything other than going out there and winning football games."

Florio said that he agreed with McCourty and told him that one of the things he hears most often around the league is coaches and general managers marveling over the way Tomlin is able to manage his players. He said that it is not just Antonio Brown; there's been a number of players, and they ask, "How did Tomlin keep this guy from being that way?"

The Steelers Are Grateful That Davante Adams Is Open-Minded

According to Ian Rapoport, Adams is open to considering a few teams, including the Steelers, the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and a few others. Many analysts feel that Adams prefers to go to the Jets since he played with Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, or the Saints because Derek Carr was his college quarterback and with the Raiders for one season.  

However, as we've heard from numerous veteran players, the desire to come to Pittsburgh and play for Tomlin is real. Often called a "players coach," Tomlin is well-respected, and the Steelers will often be considered just because of him.

Do you think Tomlin could do even more with Adams than some other coaches? Click to comment below. 

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