Reaction: Davante Adams Traded
When the news broke that the Packers had traded Davante Adams, my initial reaction was one of shock. Arguably the Packers’ best wide receiver in the last 20 years was traded for just two draft picks. Even further shock came when reports began saying he’d turned down the same monster extension that the Raiders signed him to.
The AFC West Arms Race
The AFC West has been loading up on talent this offseason. The Broncos acquired Russell Wilson, the Chargers brought in Khalil Mack, and the Chiefs have just added JuJu Smith-Schuster. Las Vegas clearly did not want to be left behind as the rest of the division charged ahead. The connection between a quarterback and a wide receiver cannot be denied, as Derek Carr and Davante Adams were college teammates at Fresno State.
The big question still remains. Why leave Green Bay?
The AFC West will be beating up on each other all season. Starstudded as it may be, there are other teams set up for success. With the return of Aaron Rodgers, few other locations are more appealing for a wide receiver, especially one of Davante Adam’s ability. I wouldn’t count Las Vegas among them. I would, however, include Kansas City and Denver in that list.
What Happened in Green Bay?
As previously stated, Adams reportedly declined the same offer from the Packers. Just a few weeks ago, Davante Adams had been franchise tagged by the organization, which would’ve netted him 20 million dollars for the 2022 season. Adams made it clear he would hold out until he had a new deal. Perhaps the Jaguars’ signing of Christian Kirk (4 years, 72 million dollars) pushed him to ask for more. Perhaps Rodgers signing of a huge extension himself when Adams had advocated for his own deal all season.
It has been reported that Rodgers was aware of the developing situation between Davante Adams and the Packers’ front office. Despite that, Rodgers returned.
The Return
In exchange for Davante Adams, the Packers received the Raiders’ 2022 first and second-round picks. So what do the Packers do with two extra draft picks? I am normally not an advocate for drafting a wide receiver in the first round, but this may be the year it is necessary. The 2022 WR class is plenty deep, with speedsters all over the board. Personally, I would advocate for either Jameson Williams or Chris Olave, should the Packers trade up, or they fall to our spots.
Other options are on the trade and free agency markets. The wide receiver core needs a veteran presence, and Jarvis Landry fits that mold perfectly. The Seahawks are also setting up shop, willing to move their wide receivers now that they’re in rebuild mode. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf would both be great fits on the Packers roster.
Happy Trails, Davante Adams
As we look to the future, I want to wrap this reaction up with a reflection on the past. Davante Adams is the best wide receiver in the league, and I’m happy he got his payday. He was the favorite target of one of the best QBs in NFL history and made so many iconic plays in green and gold.
So, for better or worse, thank you for the memories Davante. Maybe one day you will come back home to Green Bay. Until that day, I wish you nothing but the best in Las Vegas.
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