Before the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders shook up the NFL world when Green Bay dealt their veteran playmaker to the Raiders for first- and second-round selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. The trade was startling, given the timeline for both teams.
The Packers had just signed QB Aaron Rodgers to a long-term extension, who played well in 2021, earning NFL MVP honors. Rodgers and Adams had a great relationship on and off the football field, so the expectation around the NFL was that Green Bay would run it back and contend for the NFC title again.
The Raiders were a bit of an afterthought in a division with the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the AFC West. Derek Carr is a stable QB, albeit one with unspectacular traits and limited upside. Las Vegas wanted to upgrade at the receiver position in the worst way, so they made the deal to bring Adams to the silver and black.
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What Were the Details Behind the Davante Adams Trade?
Let’s look at what the Packers received in the Adams trade.
The Packers received:
2022 first-round pick (22 overall): Quay Walker, LB Georgia
2022 second-round pick (53 overall): Christian Watson, WR North Dakota State
(The Watson selection comes with a caveat. The Packers used additional draft capital to move up from 53 to select the ND State receiver.)
Davante Adams says leaving Packers ‘wasn’t some big crazy breakup’ https://t.co/SbATKJhB8o
— Vegas Nation (@VegasNation) October 6, 2023
The Raiders received:
WR Davante Adams
Why Did Green Bay Trade Adams?
At the time of the trade, reports surfaced to indicate that this was an Adams-led decision. The veteran receiver wanted the Packers to deal him to the Raiders so he could rejoin with his former Fresno State college teammate.
Carr was ecstatic to have his friend on the same team and viewed the trade as the juice the offense needed.
In @WiStateJournal ~ “I was one of the ‘Founding Fathers’ of Matt LaFleur’s offense there. (So) I love that they appreciate my work and what I’ve put into this game,” Davante Adams said when told how much the #Packers WRs watch his film. On 17’s legacy: ⬇️ https://t.co/9J0OSBFSvj
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) October 9, 2023
Rodgers, on the other hand, was a bit confused — as were many who viewed this trade from the outside looking in. As much fun as it would be to play with your former college teammate and buddy, going from future Hall of Famer to the pedestrian Carr was a downgrade, no matter how you slice it.
Who Won the Adams Trade?
A year and a half since the trade, it appears the Packers won the Adams trade. As we speak, trade rumors are again circulating about Adams.
Although the veteran receiver remains one of the best in the league, he doesn’t appear happy with his current situation, playing for a losing franchise.
MORE: Best Wide Receivers in the NFL 2023
The Raiders said goodbye to Carr this past offseason, replacing him with veteran journeyman Jimmy Garoppolo. The transition at QB was not an inspiring move to inject life into the dormant Raiders offense. As a result, it would not be a surprise to see Adams dealt before the NFL trade deadline.
Revisiting the #Packers' trade of Davante Adams to the #Raiders at @ForbesSports:
GB gets: Quay Walker and Christian Watson
GB loses: Davante Adams and a late 2nd round pick (Ed Ingram).
It's close … but I give the #Packers a slight edge.https://t.co/FUkwK5I9po— Rob Reischel (@robreischel) October 6, 2023
As for the Packers, they have two building blocks, one on offense and one on defense.
Walker has become an every-down LB for the Packers’ defense. More importantly, Watson has stepped in as the top pass catcher in an evolving Green Bay offense. Suffice it to say that Adams misses the Packers more than the alternative.