49ers beat writer Davante Adams shoots down trade speculation

Since Kyle Shanahan arrived as head coach, the San Francisco 49ers have never been afraid to acquire big names through free agency or trade. However, NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco quickly threw cold water on any speculation that the Niners would pursue Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams, of course, requested a trade earlier this week and is expected to be moved before the trade deadline.

“It seems like the 49ers are always tied to these guys,” Maiocco said on 49ers Now with co-host Jennifer Lee Chan. “Well, here's a guy that I don't see any reason or possibility that the Raiders would consider trading him to the 49ers or that the 49ers would be willing to give up whatever it takes to get Davante Adams.”

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mike Silver speculated about the Niners swapping Brandon Ayuk for Adams prior to Maiocco's comments, which likely fueled some fanbase speculation that he was responding.

Beyond the midseason costs of those proportions, this would be an incredibly problematic salary cap decision from the Niners' perspective. Any Ayuk-for-Adams swap doesn't make sense unless the Raiders are desperate to get out of Adams and/or want Ayuk enough to add some extra value via a pick or player.

KNBR added some fuel to the fire by taking a selective quote from General Manager John Lynch's radio appearance that implied a high likelihood of follow through. While Lynch said “never say never” and praised Adams as a player, he also said the front office likes the team's receiver group, adding, “And I'm not going to comment on any specific players, but right now, we like. where we have the list.”

Adams has appeared in three games with the Raiders this season. He recorded 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown. However, it seems he played his last game in Las Vegas. Despite some speculation, though, it doesn't seem certain he'll be donning a 49ers jersey anytime soon.