In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers hit the jackpot when they selected star wide receiver, Davante Adams. Hailing from Fresno State University, Adams was the fifty-third overall pick. He had amassed an impressive 8,121 yards and scored 73 touchdowns over eight seasons, playing alongside future Hall of Fame Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. However, Adams parted ways with the Packers franchise during the 2021 offseason to join his college teammate Derek Carr in Oakland for the Raiders, where he has been playing since.
After losing Davante Adams, fellow wide receivers, Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, found new organizations to play for, leaving a significant void in the Packers’ roster. When the 2022 draft came around, the Packers had two first-round draft picks, making the choice of selecting either Drake London from USC or Garrett Wilson from Ohio State—or perhaps Chris Olave, also from Ohio State. This left many Packer fans confused and upset, as they were in dire need of a wide receiver. The next night, in the second round, the Packers traded up to the second overall pick and selected Christian Watson from North Dakota State (34th overall). They also picked wide receiver Romeo Doubs in the 4th round (127th overall).
However, in an unfortunate turn of events, on the first offensive play of the season, Christian Watson, the newly acclaimed “Star of the Team” ran a perfect “Go Route” and was thrown a perfect pass from Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Regrettably, the ball slipped right through his hands to the ground, costing what would have been an opening play touchdown for the rookie. Later in that game, Watson left the field injured and did not return.
On November 11th, 2023, during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field, Christian Watson exceeded everyone’s expectations. He executed his routes flawlessly, scoring three touchdowns and totaling 107 yards. In the following three weeks, he scored five more times, leading all rookie WRs in touchdowns that season. When the 2023 draft arrived, the Packers addressed the need for more receiver depth by drafting Tight End Luke Musgrave in the second round (42nd overall) and WR Jayden Reed (50th overall). However, a pressing concern for the Packers arose regarding the durability and health of their new star Christian Watson. In 2022, Watson missed four full games and had to leave in-between other games due to injuries. To kick off the 2023 season, Watson missed three full games with a persistent hamstring injury.
Adams left the Green and Gold to reunite with his former college teammate Derek Carr, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints. Adams is also not getting the targets he deserves, during week five in the NFL season Adams only had four receptions mounting to just 47 yards. Adams is not content where he is. Another reason for his departure from Green Bay was his frustration with Aaron Rodgers’ complaints, but with Rogers no longer in the picture, a potential reunion of the Packers and the star Wide Receiver might be on the horizon. This could be the maturity in the locker room for the young WR and Quarterback they need, to fill the depth charts so there are no shortages on wideouts during Watson’s or other WR, and overall elevate the team’s performance.
While some might argue that Adams “betrayed the Packers”, the door is wide open for his return. During the 2022 Pro Bowl, star Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who played with Adams for four years in Green Bay humorously mentioned how they would sit out the next time they were scheduled to play each other. Interestingly, up until kickoff during week five of the 2023 season, both players were questionable to play, prompting speculation about potential discussions behind the scenes. Is Adams destined to return to Green Bay?
Laurel • Nov 16, 2023 at 12:53 pm
I don’t follow football much these days. Thanks for the clear, well-written explanation.
Glenn • Nov 11, 2023 at 11:09 am
I sure hope so….. If there’s any player out there that could turn this team around it would be him. All that young talent in the WR corp could learn from the best. As well as our DB. Look what he did for Jaire. OMG could you imagine another Jaire and possibly 2 more Adam’s on the team? Super Bowl!!!! Come on Gudey! Do something right for once!
Cathy Allen • Nov 10, 2023 at 7:53 pm
Yes please. That would be such a big bonus for the team, and he would be much happier I’m sure. Welcome Devante!
Josephine • Nov 10, 2023 at 7:19 pm
I really hope he comes back to where he belongs.
Stephen A. Perrenoud • Nov 10, 2023 at 7:04 pm
He was not loyal to the team that drafted him, but rather he decided to leave for his own reasons. No, he will never be returning to Green Bay.
Stephen Coleman • Nov 10, 2023 at 5:25 pm
I hope so ?
Jerome • Nov 10, 2023 at 2:12 pm
Always, Expect The Unexpected. GO DAWS.
Ed Tadych • Nov 10, 2023 at 12:57 pm
I believe that he would definitely be a plus to the receiving squad. That would definitely take some of the pressure off the rest of the receiving core. Not to mention that Adam’s would definitely be a lot happier in Green Bay!!!!
Michael • Nov 10, 2023 at 11:52 am
Adam’s turned down more money from the Packers to join the Raiders .Why would they want him back? So Love can do what Rodgers did ,look for adams and only adams!