Remember the 2014 Green Bay Packers? That was an offense that consisted of Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and a then-rookie wide receiver named Davante Adams. The Packers drafted the wide receiver in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Back then, he was probably the third option for the quarterback. Over the years, he’s emerged as the top guy. Numbers don’t lie. 2020 was the best year of his career. Davante led the league in touchdowns amongst wide receivers. This off-season, the Packers were of course the talk of the news with the return of Aaron Rodgers signing his contract extension to remain in Green Bay. Next, the team announced they would place the franchise tag on Davante. Those of you who know me I’m not a fan of franchise tagging guys, especially when they’re more than deserving of being paid. The biggest news outside of Tom Brady unretiring took place. The Packers have announced they’re trading the start receiver to the Las Vegas Raiders.
You can debate that he’s the best wide receiver in the league and I wouldn’t disagree with you at all. What I’ve admired about Davante is the quiet swagger he plays with. He never says much because he allows the play and the production to do all the talking. Nobody is better at separating himself to get open than Davante Adams. I remember last Summer saying to someone he has a basketball background and it shows on the football field because of all he’s able to do. Davante can wiggle himself out in and out of cuts and just knows how to position himself to get open to make a play. He has the ability to fake as if he’s going one way and can confuse a defensive back by going inside and cutting back out with quickness. He’s also one of the three best route runners in the game today. I’ve always said it’s not what you do with the ball, it’s how you move without it and he puts on a clinic when it comes to route running because he’s so consistent in doing so. It doesn’t matter where he’s lined up. I personally feel he does his best work within the slot because of the speed he possesses. He’s productive however you use him. One thing Davante does better than any other receiver in this league is the ability to lean in on the defender, fake inside then cut up the field and he’s wide open.
I didn’t see this coming at all and I know you didn’t either. In the last two seasons, Davante has a combined 29 touchdown receptions (18 in 2020 and 11 in 2021). The Packers resign the quarterback only to let the top target go. Aaron is selfish (hence the title) because he should’ve restructured his deal to give the Packers more flexibility to sign Davante to the extension he deserves. Tom Brady takes pay cuts regularly to allow the team to add on or resign. This is going to make me scratch my head for the longest. Davante now teams up with his former college quarterback, Derek Carr.
