This week was a whirlwind for the Las Vegas Raiders, but there is a very real chance that whirlwind turns into a full-blown tornado when the 2022 NFL season concludes. Davante Adams is the best wide receiver to grace the Raiders’ roster since Randy Moss in 2005–2006. Less than one year ago, Raiders fans were ready to throw a parade after swindling the Green Bay Packers in a trade. As 2023 begins, many wonder if Adams will still be wearing a Silver and Black jersey when the season starts again in September.
Adams’ best friend and the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the last nine seasons, Derek Carr, was benched. He was then subsequently sent home. Afterward, Adams made his feelings known. Raider Nation was anxiously waiting to hear what No. 17 had to say.
“I’m not going to sit here and go on and on, but obviously, I support my guy,” a subdued Adams said, via video from Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We’ve got to finish this season out the best way we can possible with all things considered at this point. Anything else that you guys got, you can leave that for coach or for Derek.”
Derek Carr is one of the reasons that Davante Adams is a Raider
It should not be surprising that Adams supports his best friend, especially considering Adams is the godfather of some of Carr’s children. Adams has made it clear that he came to Las Vegas for several reasons. Even so, Adams was transparent about Carr’s influence on his decision.
“I wouldn’t be here right now if he wasn’t here. I think everybody knows how I feel about him.”
None of these quotes should honestly be overly alarming to Raiders fans. Nevertheless, Adams was asked about the future by Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. To that end, Adams was rather reserved. “We got the Niners this week, and then we’ve got another game to go and finish, so that’s really all I’m focused on.” Now, this should be alarming to those who understand the severity of this type of comment. Adams could have used the opportunity to say something to the effect of “yes, I signed a contract; I’m a Raider,” which would make all of his fans feel secure in his position. But he didn’t.
Would Adams request a trade?
There is a very real chance that Adams will request a trade and refuse to play for the team that jettisoned his best friend and ruined their future dreams of playing together. Adams left Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to play in Las Vegas with Carr. It would not be ludicrous to imagine that Adams might try to follow Carr to his new destination. What team would not want to pay Adams for a skilled player of his magnitude? Everyone should.
The Raiders will truly be back at square one if they lose the receiver they’ve been looking for since trading Amari Cooper away to the Dallas Cowboys. Any new or veteran quarterback coming into the Vegas desert would have a much smoother transition with Adams on the roster. The offense would still ideally have Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow on the roster. Unfortunately, running back Josh Jacobs is a question mark. We have no idea if the Raiders are about to pay him or not.
The future is in doubt…
Consider what would happen if Raiders owner Mark Davis allowed the team to lose Davante Adams. Of course, that would mean it came at the cost of releasing Derek Carr. That could spell disaster for some time until the franchise is able to find a replacement for one of the most prolific pass catchers many of us have seen in our lifetime.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 17 opposing QB review: Mr. Irrelevant visits Sin City
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
