49ers simply can't quit the latest Davante Adams trade rumor

Trade rumors involving Davante Adams and the 49ers are resurfacing again, even though the likelihood of this happening is about as remote as possible.

Earlier this offseason, there was plenty of speculation the San Francisco 49ers would explore the possibility of trading for Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.

Adams, who was the subject of trade rumors leading up to Week 1, could have potentially been involved in a would-be deal with the Niners that somehow could have shipped wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk off somewhere, perhaps in a three-team deal involving the Pittsburgh Steelers where Aiyuk was reportedly close to landing

But San Francisco reached an extension agreement with Aiyuk just days before the regular season, ending all speculation about him being dealt and all but closing the door on any possible move for Adams.

Amid the Raiders' own tumult a quarter through 2024, Adams wants out and has apparently expressed an interest in joining forces with one of his two former quarterbacks, Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints or Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets.

So, how are the 49ers back involved in this most recent string of Adams trade rumors?

We're not sure. But they are.

Ian Rapoport lists 49ers as part of latest Davante Adams trade rumors

Both the Saints and Jets make sense from Adams' perspective. In theory, the Niners would, too. After all, San Francisco would provide an offensive-friendly haven with the upside of competing for a Super Bowl right now.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport included the 49ers on a list of teams rumored to be involved (somehow) in a potential Adams trade, writing:

"In fact, according to sources informed of Adams' thinking, he is open to playing for several other teams. The New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and perhaps the San Francisco 49ers are among teams that either have inquired about the six-time Pro Bowler or are places Adams would be happy landing."

Now, Rapoport didn't clarify whether the Niners "inquired about" or were among those where Adams "would be happy landing."

But, a smart guess probably would be the latter.

San Francisco already has its top-three wideouts in place: Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, while first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall is waiting in the folds. Sure, this would be the kind of move a team gunning for nothing short of a Lombardi Trophy would make.

However... there are the financials.

Any team trading for Adams would take on his prorated remainder of the $17.5 million owed to him this season. Granted, the 49ers could afford it with their league-high $56.7 million available in cap space, currently.

But, they've already admitted they're saving the bulk of that for quarterback Brock Purdy's soon-to-be massive contract extension due next year, one that'll potentially cost in the realm of $60 million per year. While Adams carries zero in guarantees beyond 2024, that'd drastically hinder the Niners' ability to extend Purdy without serious ramifications elsewhere.

Then, there's the logjam at wide receiver.

Related story: 49ers fans would hate to see Davante Adams traded to one of these teams

Trading Aiyuk, who has largely underproduced through 2024, at least statistically, seems to be a discussed trade commodity. However, if San Francisco did that, it'd cost $40 million in dead money.

Tack on what Adams would cost, and that's nearly all of the 49ers' available space saved for Purdy's extension.

So, while the Niners might be a fun idea for a landing spot, the feasibility of such a move just isn't there.

Read more from Niner Noise