Things Look Bleak for Former Packers Receiver in 2023
Josh Frey
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Following a 2021 season in which Davante Adams recorded 123 receptions for 1553 yards and 11 TDs, the All-Pro receiver requested a trade from the Green Bay Packers. As a result, the Packers sent him to the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with his former collegiate QB, Derek Carr.
However, a bit over a year after this trade occurred, things are looking bleak for the former Packers receiver this season. Sure, Adams once again had an All-Pro season in 2022, recording 100 receptions, 1516 yards, and a league-leading 14 TD receptions, but those numbers could quickly go into the toilet during 2023.
The reason for the uncertainty is, once again, the quarterback position. While in Green Bay, Adams was forced to deal with the constant roller coaster that was Aaron Rodgers’ status with the Packers franchise. Now, a year later, he is strapped in once again for a strange ride into the 2023 season.
You see, the Raiders made the decision to move on from Carr after a disappointing season in 2022 where Las Vegas went 6-11, finishing third in the AFC West. He decided to join the New Orleans Saints, and the Raiders entered free agency without a starting QB.
Many expected them to use the seventh overall pick on a potential “QB of the future”, but instead, they made the decision to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year contract worth $72 million. So, what is the problem?
Well, Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury during 2022, and while the assumption was that he would be ready to go for the 2023 season, to this point, news has broken in a couple areas:
- Former Raiders backup Jarrett Stidham signed with the Denver Broncos.
- The Raiders traded TE Darren Waller to the New York Giants.
- RB Josh Jacobs held out from offseason program due to his contract.
- Garoppolo underwent surgery for an injury that the 49ers decided didn’t need to be operated on.
- Garoppolo signed a waiver in lieu of a physical, essentially releasing Las Vegas and the NFL from any responsibility if he undergoes further complications due to the foot injury.
- Garopplo did not appear at OTAs or minicamp.
Now, with about a month left until training camp begins, the question is, who exactly is going to be starting with the Raiders offense when the season begins? Currently, Vegas has two healthy quarterbacks: rookie Aidan O’Connell, who was selected in the fourth round of the draft, and a soon-to-be 38-year-old Brian Hoyer, who has started a total of three games in the past five years.
On top of the quarterback situation, the Raiders have their ongoing contract dispute with the league’s reigning rushing yards leader, who amounted to nearly 400 touches during the 2022 season. Second-round pick Michael Mayer should be able to take over Darren Waller’s starting role at tight end, but can he replace the production that Waller left behind? Only time will tell.
The point is, this looks like it could be a rather frustrating season for Adams, who left the Packers hoping to get away from the drama that was in Green Bay and play football with one of his best friends. A year after the trade, one has to wonder if the three-time All-Pro would go about things differently if given the chance.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.