The Green Bay Packers traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, taking Aaron Rodgers‘ go-to target away in a closing Super Bowl window. One year later, Rodgers and Adams could be reunited.
Following the conclusion of the Packers’ 2022 season, Rodgers’ future in Green Bay became increasingly unclear. While he is contemplating his future in football, the Packers are reportedly inclined to trade him if he decides to play in 2023.
- Davante Adams stats (2016-’21): 581 receptions, 7,192 receiving yards, 69 touchdowns
Adams remains committed to Las Vegas, even as the franchise prepares to move on from his close friend and college teammate Derek Carr. As head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler evaluate quarterback options, their first big acquisition in 2022 is pushing for another blockbuster trade.
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According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Adams is lobbying the Raiders’ front office to acquire Rodgers, wanting to partner up with the four-time NFL MVP in Las Vegas.
Rodgers would be an appealing option for an organization that will likely be in win-now mode. While McDaniels avoided landing on the NFL hot seat after not reaching the playoffs this past season, his job becomes less secure if the Raiders’ playoff drought extends to a second consecutive year. Following the retirement of Tom Brady, Rodgers is the best option potentially available.
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Based on the traits McDaniels wants in his next quarterback, Rodgers fits the mold and the instant chemistry with Adams would be a boost for the offense. While his arm strength still makes him a viable starter outdoors, the move to playing home games inside could also benefit Rodgers in December and January.
Las Vegas could package the 7th overall pick along with tight end Darren Waller, who the Packers wanted last offseason, in a deal with Green Bay. While it’s a risky move for a franchise that is already thin on young talent following repeated misses with first-round picks, Rodgers would be an immediate upgrade over Carr.
Making the biggest star on the offense happy and adding a future Hall of Famer would likely generate excitement among the fan base. Rodgers is a far costlier option than Jarrett Stidham or Jimmy Garoppolo, but it’s the type of move Las Vegas might need to make to retain strong fan interest moving forward.