Davante Adams is leaving Green Bay and the Packers. Buddy Aaron Rodgers was reportedly in the know about this plan. Now the “Gunslinger” is facing a challenge that may also help his team.

Munich – Aaron Rodgers was apparently able to prepare himself for this news. The news, in what has been a headline-grabbing Free Agency so far, should have blown countless fans away.

Davante Adams is turning his back on the Green Bay Packers and his mate, leaving the franchise for the Las Vegas Raiders after eight years.

Adams becomes highest-paid wide receiver

In the player’s paradise, he signs a five-year deal reportedly worth $141.25 million. This makes the 29-year-old the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.

The Packers lose their most important pass receiver in recent memory, and as compensation they get to pick an additional 22nd and 53rd in the draft.

Rodgers reportedly in the know during negotiations

Rodgers reportedly knew about it when he signed a new contract in Green Bay – apparently after careful consideration – opting to become a lifetime Packer.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport even reports that the “Gunslinger” knew during his own negotiations that Adams would never play for the Packers again.

Apparently, a joint future with his favourite starting station was not as important to him as was commonly rumoured. Adams is also likely to have kept him up to date on his plans.

Adams was apparently eager to join the Raiders and Carr

At least it was known that the five-time Pro Bowler did not want to play under the franchise tag the Packers initially tied him to. But the franchise is said to have offered a similarly financially strong package.

According to Rapoport, Adams’ agents even confirmed that he could have made more money in Green Bay than in “Sin City”. But it had always been his dream to play for the Raiders. And probably also to catch balls from Derek Carr again.

Final thought (for now) on the Davante Adams trade: His agents Frank Bauer and Kenny Chapman confirm that the Packers offered more money than the contract he’ll sign in Las Vegas.

Simply, it was his lifelong dream to be with the Raiders

– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2022

Adams and Carr excelled together in college

Both know each other from two college years together for Fresno State. Where they formed a congenial duo.

Back then, Adams and Carr set bests in the FBS, the highest college level within the NCAA, in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, passing yards and passing touchdowns – i.e., key stats for their positions.

Adams said to be frustrated since last summer

According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, the trade appeared to be on the verge of being scrapped as recently as Wednesday, but then talks between the two teams picked up steam again. Ultimately, he said, it all started last year. Adams was already frustrated in the summer because no new contract was in the offing.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was aware of trade talks surrounding Davante Adams in recent days before the blockbuster deal was completed, per sources. It appeared the deal was dead Wednesday; it came back to life and now Adams is about to join the Raiders

– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2022

For the former second-round pick, the deal sounds like a win-win. At least when you look at his bank account and his new playmaker. Plus, it was probably a decision of the heart.

Not a decision against Rodgers – but for Raiders and Carr

Adams doesn’t seem to have decided against Rodgers at all. But for the Raiders and for Carr.

Ex-pro and NFL reporter Ross Tucker nevertheless wonders why there are players who give up money for a place on the team with Tom Brady, but this is apparently not the case with the reigning MVP.

Packers have four of the first 59 draft picks

Nevertheless, it is now imperative that Green Bay looks for reinforcements at the wide receiver position. The biggest names on the roster for the role as Adams’ successor are currently Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.

Perhaps the Packers will make a grab in the draft, where they now have four of the first 59 picks available.

Does Rodgers take a look at better-position receivers in the future?

The Adams departure may also have an advantage for “the Pack”. Independent NFL reporter Dov Kleiman pointed out that Rodgers has been in danger of targeting his double-covered buddy rather than free teammates in crucial situations.

To illustrate, he circulated two scenes from the past two playoff games, in which the Packers lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Francisco 49ers.

In future, the 38-year-old will probably widen his gaze in these game-deciding moments as well. At least that’s a comforting thought for those who root for the Packers.

On the bright side for Packers fans, Aaron will no longer force the ball into double coverage to Davante Adams in a playoff game instead of reading the defense and finding his wide open receivers. pic.twitter.com/pr5imo9ag9

– Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 18, 2022