Former NFL Executive: Packers Won the Davante Adams Trade “Hands Down”
When the Green Bay Packers traded star wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2022, many fans and analysts questioned the wisdom of the move. Adams had been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL, and his departure left a glaring hole in the Packers’ offense. However, nearly two seasons later, a former NFL executive has come forward, declaring that Green Bay decisively won the trade.
The trade saw the Raiders send the Packers two premium draft picks—a first-round and second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft—in exchange for Adams, who subsequently signed a massive contract extension with Las Vegas. While Adams has continued to perform at an elite level with the Raiders, the long-term implications of the trade suggest Green Bay might have gotten the better deal.
The former NFL executive, speaking anonymously in a recent interview, explained why the Packers came out on top. “From a roster-building perspective, the Packers absolutely won the Davante Adams trade, hands down,” the executive said. “Yes, Adams is still one of the best wide receivers in the league, but the Raiders gave up a lot of capital and invested heavily in a player who has not been able to elevate them to the next level. Meanwhile, the Packers used those picks to build depth and address key areas.”
The Packers selected linebacker Quay Walker with the first-round pick they received from the Raiders, and wide receiver Christian Watson with the second-rounder. Walker has quickly developed into a defensive cornerstone for Green Bay, starting nearly every game since entering the league and providing much-needed playmaking ability at the linebacker position. Watson, meanwhile, has emerged as a promising deep threat, offering glimpses of his potential to fill the void left by Adams’ departure.
The former executive also pointed out that the trade allowed Green Bay to avoid paying Adams a massive contract extension, freeing up significant salary cap space to invest in other parts of the team. “It’s not just about the draft picks,” he noted. “The Packers were able to avoid tying up a huge amount of money in one player and instead allocated those resources across the roster, making them more balanced in the long run.”
In contrast, the Raiders have struggled to find consistency, even with Adams in the fold. Despite his individual success, the team has underperformed, leading to frustrations on both sides. Adams has voiced his displeasure with the Raiders’ lack of progress and their inability to contend in a tough AFC West division.
While time will ultimately determine the full impact of the trade, many in the NFL now view the Packers as clear winners in the deal. The move allowed Green Bay to position themselves for long-term success while Las Vegas has yet to see their investment in Adams translate into sustained team success.