New Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler came into the organization and hit home runs out of the gate. Despite what some might call a quiet start to NFL free agency, Ziegler didn’t waver. Instead, Raiders fans were treated to one of the most memorable and productive offseasons in recent memory. He signed Chandler Jones, arguably the second most important move this year, but he also made long-term commitments to Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Ziegler knocked it out of the park by acquiring superstar wide receiver Davante Adams.
Bleacher Report recently took a look at every NFL team, naming what they felt was each organization’s best offseason move. Not much surprise here. Adams made the list for the Raiders.
“You’d be hard-pressed to make the argument that Derek Carr is better than Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, or Wilson. But you can make the argument that he has the best weaponry of the AFC West signal-callers now that Davante Adams is in the fold.”
Davante Adams elevates Derek Carr over the rest of the AFC West QBs
The publication made an interesting note regarding Adams and the Raiders. Derek Carr has often been on the short end of the spectrum in his division. Patrick Mahomes is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, so it’s justified that he receives more praise. However, Justin Herbert, from his rookie debut in 2020, was anointed by the media, with Carr getting the backseat. Most recently, the Denver Broncos acquired Russell Wilson, with Carr being perceived as the fourth-best signal-caller in the division once that happened.
The arrival of Adams, however, changed all of that.
“Adams will change the complexion of the entire offense. He’s the kind of dominant receiver who wins all over the field. Both tight end Darren Waller and receiver Hunter Renfrow should benefit from the attention defenses will give to the former Packers receiver.”
Almost overnight, the status quo changed. Carr is now heralded as a potential MVP candidate for this upcoming season. The fact he would now yield a high-powered offense fueled that agenda in the media. Can he live up to it? Carr and Adams shared a camaraderie, a brotherhood, from their time in college. None of the quarterback-receiver duos in the division have that. For now, though, it remains to be seen if it translates onto the field, though Adams is off to a good start.
No. 17 is looking dominant in training camp, joint practices vs. New England Patriots
After wrapping up training camp, the Raiders will turn their attention to Week 1 after taking care of business against the Patriots in the preseason finale (assuming they do). As far as the joint practices that took place this week in Henderson, Adams outclassed the Patriots’ defenders. The New England area beat writers were in awe the entire week. They were gushing over how dominant Adams looked against New England’s defensive backs. Yes, it was practice, but Adams faced starting NFL corners in this one for the first time this offseason. The only exception was when he faced off against Nate Hobbs and his fellow Raiders teammates.
No. 17 is off to a good start, no doubt, but we’ll see how successful he can be in this loaded division with defenses that will be zeroing in on him.
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*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images