The Las Vegas Raiders traded star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets on Tuesday for a third-round pick who could become a second-round pick.

Here are some initial thoughts on the deal:

It was time:

It’s been two long weeks since this saga started. It was clear that Adams would not play for the Raiders again, despite rumors that he could. This distraction had to end. Now it’s time for the 2-4 Raiders to focus on putting their season together and moving forward behind coach Antonio Pierce.

Heavy compensation;

When trade talks began, it was reported that the Raiders wanted a second-round pick plus more for Adams. It was also reported that the Raiders could have gotten more than one second-round pick if they had traded Adams before the start. Now there’s a good chance they get a third-round pick for Adams, as the circumstances to pump this up to a second-round pick are unlikely. Adams has missed three games and the Jets are 2-4, so these circumstances are unlikely. ESPN reported that Raiders owner Mark Davis stood by his claim of wanting to pick Adams in the second round. So he can’t be happy about this.

Money matters:

The Raiders did not pay out any of Adams’ 2024 contracts in the deal. So that saves Davis money. There is some dead money for the Raiders this year and next season. Remember, the Raiders would likely terminate or restructure Adams’ deal next year if he had stayed.

Bad investment:

It’s safe to say the Raiders’ blockbuster 2022 trade for Adams from the Green Bay Packers didn’t go well. The Raiders gave up the first and second round picks in that deal and paid him $56 million. They went 15-22 in games Adams played for the Raiders. The Raiders had seven first-round picks between 2019 and 2022 and none of the assets from those picks are still on the roster.

Be careful what you wish for:

Adams has been traded twice in his career and both times he has gone to his desired landing spot. It didn’t work when he reunited with Derek Carr in Las Vegas and now he’s hoping for a better story when he reunites with his Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But the Jets, like the Raiders, are 2-4 and there is dysfunction in the organization. Adams wanted to leave Las Vegas because he didn’t think they could win. Is he really in a better place?

Next year?

There is no guarantee Adams will be a Jet in 2025 because of his contract. he could be a free agent in five months. If so, don’t discount him returning to the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers will likely be looking for a veteran wide receiver.

Draft conversation:

The Raiders now have an additional pick to help them land the quarterback of the future in 2025. Will the Raiders make more trades? They have a number of players on their roster that they can move before the November 5 trade deadline as they look to go into full fire sell mode.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Life after Adams:

The Raiders have eleven games left this season. The offense will revolve around star rookie tight end Brock Bowers, with Jaokbi Myers and Tre Tucker likely to be the starting receivers as they try to rally around quarterback Aidan O’Connell in the post-Adams season.