NFL trade grades: Who really won the Packers-Raiders Davante Adams deal?

Last March, the Packers and Raiders agreed to the Davante Adams trade. Given the current turmoil in Las Vegas, who won the deal?

Davante Adams’ time as a Raider has not been kind, as Las Vegas will miss the postseason in 2022, and his longtime friend, Derek Carr, was benched. Carr is likely on the way out, either via trade or free agency, and Adams let it be known that his fellow Fresno State alum is one of the only reasons he became a Raider in the first place via Instagram.

“This man gave everything he had. The reason I’m a Raider…One of the most disciplined and loving people I know. Got my bruddas back through whatever and if you can’t respect it (excuse my language) 🖕🏾you!!! 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ Love u bruh,” Adams wrote in his caption.

It would be false information to claim knowledge that Adams misses his time in Green Bay in Aaron Rodgers, but hindsight is 20/20 in this case.

Revisiting the Packers-Raiders Davante Adams trade

The trade details are below, for all who need a refresher:

At the time, Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst wished Adams well in a statement:

“It’s never easy moving on from a player and person the caliber of Davante Adams. We have so much respect for all that Davante gave on and off the field during his eight seasons in Green Bay as he was integral to all that we’ve accomplished,” said Gutekunst. “He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the storied history of the Packers and we look forward to him being enshrined into the Packers Hall of Fame one day. We wish nothing but the best for Davante, his wife Devanne and the rest of their family moving forward.”

Green Bay used the No. 22 overall pick on Georgia LB Quay Walker, and the No. 34 overall pick of WR Christian Watson. Both have contributed greatly to the Packers, though neither at the level of Adams, who is on his way to another Pro Bowl season.

Who won the Davante Adams trade?

In truth, no one won this deal.

Adams and Aaron Rodgers lost out at a chance to extend their memorable partnership. While Green Bay received draft picks, and both players look good so far, they took a step back in what could be Rodgers final season.

The Raiders now have an elite wide receiver with no quarterback. Carr failed under pressure, with an elite core of weapons around him. Vegas must start over at the most important position in football.

Packers trade grade: B-

Raiders trade grade: C+