After weeks of speculation, Davante Adams has finally found a new home. But, it’s clear the Green Bay Packers won this trade.
Wait, what?
Aaron Rodgers may not have his best receiver on the field anymore. But, the Packers are in a much better spot without him.
Let’s dive into the trade.
The Trade
The Green Bay Packers and the Las Vegas Raiders were reported to be in discussion for weeks, but it finally happened. The Raiders would give their 2022 first and second-round pick in exchange for Adams, who has been discussed as the best receiver in the league.
Trade compensation, per league sources:
Packers are getting back 2022 first- and second-round picks in return for Davante Adams.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The first-round pick from the Raiders is at #22 overall, which was seven spots ahead of Green Bay’s own first-rounder.
Las Vegas would give Adams an extension after the trade was accepted. He received a new contract that will stretch over five years for a total of $141.25 million. After doing the math, he’ll receive about $28 million a year which makes him the highest-paid receiver in football.
Green Bay Won This Trade
In trading Adams, the Packers cleared approximately $19 million in cap space. It’s not like they don’t have wide receivers who can step up and be the #1 guy.
Allen Lazard was second on the team in receiving yards last year and has shown potential to be the next number one receiver.
Randall Cobb took a pay cut to stay, and he was Rodgers’ favorite target in the past. Amari Rodgers will have a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do.
Also, Green Bay can use one of their two first-rounders to draft a wide receiver. Chris Olave or Treylon Brooks are two players Green Bay could target.
Opening up cap space allows the Packers to spend money on other positions. In fact, they resigned cornerback Rasul Douglas to shore up the defense.
Their remaining money could also be used to sign veteran receivers left in free agency. Guys like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are still available on the market.
In all, Green Bay is definitely in great shape. This trade was probably the best I’ve ever seen. It was a one-sided trade, with the Packers coming out as winners of this transaction.
Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need Davante Adams to succeed…
Just Kidding
The Las Vegas Raiders 100% won this trade! They just acquired a wide receiver who has had over 1000 yards receiving in consecutive years.
No one cares about the draft picks Green Bay received. Aaron Rodgers just signed an extension with Green Bay just to never see a Super Bowl again.
For Vegas, the offense just got more dangerous. To pair up Adams with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller gives Derek Carr a plethora of weapons to work with.
Most importantly, Carr finally reunites with his college teammate. The dynamic duo went 15-0 during the 2013 season at Fresno State.
In a competitive AFC West, the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver improves the Raiders’ chances of winning the division. Add in the pieces they added on defense, and the potential to go farther than last year is quite realistic.
One thing that should be mentioned about this trade: the Packers offered more money to Adams than the Raiders. But, it was his dream to play in Vegas that led him to decline Green Bay’s offer.
Every cornerback who faces the Raiders this season better be ready. This offensive tandem is going to be very dangerous.
Just Win, Baby. The Raiders definitely won this transaction.
Welcome home @tae15adams ?☠️
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 18, 2022
Good luck in Green Bay, Aaron.
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1 Comment
10/4/24:
I’ve been a Raiders fan since 1966. As for this most recent WR event; I feel the same way of D. Adams as I did J. Jacob’s. Honestly, good riddance! We’ll become a better team without those two egomaniacs.
In God I Trust, in Jesus Name,
Amen.