Rumors have been swirling for some time now that there could be a major trade in the works in the NFL. If it comes to fruition, longtime friends Davante Adams and New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers could be reunited and playing together again, this time for the New York Jets. Whether it happens in 2024 or down the road, one thing that is clear is that these two were a truly a dynamic duo when they were with the Green Bay Packers.
Davante Adams: Nostalgia for the old days
This topic of discussion first came up when Adams mentioned that although he is committed to the Las Vegas Raiders, he would be intrigued by the notion of teaming up again with Rodgers. His agent later clarified that his client had not intention of playing for any other team besides the Raiders.
But the mere mention of playing with Rodgers again, even just as a hypothetical situation, clearly got the NFL world’s attention. Even the Las Vegas Raiders’ general manager felt the need to chime in and tamp down speculation of an Davante Adams trade. But after a rough 2023 for Las Vegas which saw both a mid-season coaching and quarterback change, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to wonder if Adams is contemplating wanting to moved elsewhere.
Green Bay Packers: Blast from the past
When Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers played together for the Green Bay Packers from 2014-2021, they were one of the most lethal quarterback-receiver duos in the National Football League. Some would argue they were the best in the entire league. In terms of Packers history, no duo had connected for more receptions than Rodgers-Adams.
For his part, Rodgers has been quite open about his fondness for Davante Adams as well. A few weeks backs, Rodgers stated he couldn’t “wait to play with him again”. Whether that was Aaron Rodgers’ wishful thinking or a subtle hint of things to come remains to be seen.
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams: Where are they now?
The desire to be in contention is what is surely the overriding emotion for both of these players. Rodgers missed nearly his entire inaugural 2023 season with the Jets after getting injured early in Week 1. So coming back and working with a young, up-and-coming Jets receiving core is surely going to be a challenge for him. Whether he was serious or not, his stated desire to reunite with Adams also reveals a need to surround himself with players that he is comfortable and familiar with.
As for Davante Adams, he also has to learn to familiarize himself with his teammates in Las Vegas. As alluded to previously, the team has gone through a lot of recent upheaval. In 2022, Derek Carr was the quarterback. Then last year, it was Jimmy Garoppolo and Aiden O’ Connell. Now, O’ Connell and Gardner Minshew are battling it out for the top spot heading into 2024.
That is a lot of uncertainty and change in a couple of seasons, even for a top-level receiver like Davante Adams. And despite Aaron Rodgers’ awkward and off-putting behavior at times, he probably represents a level of stability and dependability that Adams desperately craves right now.
Upcoming trade: Will it happen, not?
The easy answer to the question of whether this reunion is inevitable or just a pipe dream is: We simply do not know. There could be wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes right now, or absolutely nothing could be transpiring at all. What all this talk does do is bring back happy memories for Packers’ fans and reaffirm the strong, lasting bond that Adams and Rodgers will always have.
