Sauce Gardner is letting cryptic imagery do the talking following Davante Adams’ bombshell trade request from the Raiders.
Shortly after news broke Tuesday that the six-time Pro Bowler receiver informed the Raiders he preferred to be dealt, the 24-year Jets cornerback responded with a curious post on X.
The photo, which Gardner shared with his 285,000 followers, featured the tattoo of a young child raising a finger to its lips, prompting NFL fans to play internet detectives over the image’s meaning.
“Does this mean you have something secretly in the works?” one X user asked.
Another wrote, “I’ll only believe the Adams to Jets when it happens.”
Adams’ name has long been linked to the Jets given the receiver’s friendship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom he caught passes from during their time together in Green Bay.
The 31-year-old receiver was traded to the Raiders after the 2021 season and signed a five-year, $140 million contract. The move reunited Adams with his former Fresno State quarterback, Derek Carr.
However, the reunion was bittersweet as the Raiders released Carr in February 2022 after nine seasons with the organization.
Although Adams insisted back in April he wants to be in Las Vegas, trade rumors and allegations of fraying relations have persisted in recent weeks.
Just days ago, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce was at the center of social media drama after he appeared to “like” an Instagram post regarding Adams’ future with the team.
“I don’t really know exactly what that was about. Obviously … social media is a beast, so there’s a lot of people out there that saw it and wondered what’s going on and are reaching out. So, yeah, I haven’t spoken to him,” Adams said on Tuesday’s episode of Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show.
Since telling the Raiders of his desire to be moved, the Jets and Saints — currently quarterbacked by Carr — have been revealed as Adams’ top preferred destinations.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday the Chiefs are an unlikely suitor for Adams despite the loss of Rashee Rice for the foreseeable future due to a knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Chargers.
The Raiders are seeking a second-rounder as part of a package for Adams’ services.
The Jets, coming off a dismal 10-9 loss to the Broncos, have Allen Lazard, Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson among the top wideouts on their depth chart