Green Bay Packers make surprise move, deal star wideout Davante Adams
In a stunning move, Davante Adams is leaving the Green Bay Packers. He’s heading to Las Vegas.
The Packers are trading Adams to the Raiders in a blockbuster deal, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Green Bay is receiving two 2022 picks from Las Vegas, including the Raiders’ first-round pick. Adams is also signing a five-year contract with Vegas once the deal goes through, according to Schefter.
It’s also a nice reunion. Adams and Derek Carr played together at Fresno State, and the Raiders came up in free agency rumors before Green Bay used the franchise tag on Adams. He reportedly told the Packers he wouldn’t play on the tag.
The move also comes after the Packers locked up Aaron Rodgers with a massive new contract. Rodgers signed a four-year, $200 million deal with $153 million guaranteed. Adams was Rodgers’ top target, connecting for 669 receptions for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns over eight seasons together.
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Adams could’ve entered free agency this year, but Green Bay opted to tag him. The decision didn’t sit well with Adams, and the two sides tried to work out a long-term deal after he said he wouldn’t play on the tag.
In the end, Green Bay opted to trade him. Now, the question for Green Bay is what’s next?
The Raiders had the No. 22 pick in this year’s first round, and that pick is now going to Green Bay. ESPN analyst Todd McShay’s latest mock draft projected Las Vegas to take Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks. This year’s draft is filled with wide receiver talent, and the Packers could be in position to draft a young wide receiver with that pick.
Adams was also rumored to be a big part of Rodgers’ decision to return to the Packers next season, as well, considering the chemistry the two developed over the last eight seasons. The two-time reigning MVP weighed returning to Green Bay, requesting a trade and retirement after this season, but ultimately opted to return under the new contract.
Instead, Adams is pairing up with Carr and joining a wide receiver room that also includes Hunter Renfrow. Add in tight end Darren Waller, and Carr has plenty of talent in his arsenal. That also helps new coach Josh McDaniels, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator who’s getting ready for his first season with the Raiders. It could be a fun year for Las Vegas.