Matt LaFleur opens up about what went into the decision to trade Davante Adams

The Green Bay Packers placed the franchise tag on star wide receiver Davante Adams earlier in the offseason, but later traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders for a couple of draft picks. That move was stunning in the NFL, and creates a giant hole on the Packers offense.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur opened up about the Adams trade at the NFL owners meetings, admitting that the decision to move on from one of the NFL’s best wideouts was largely driven by Adams himself.

“That was one of those things those decisions are never easy to make,” LaFleur said via Pro Football Network. “Unfortunately, it was one that we had to come to. I think a lot of it was driven by Davante, I’m going to tell you. But there’s no sense in looking back. We’re moving forward. We appreciate everything he’s done, obviously.”

While the Packers are undoubtedly happy to have quarterback Aaron Rodgers back for next season, they will also surely miss the presence of Adams on the offense. Adams was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State, and has turned into a dominant force in the years since. In his eight-year NFL career, Adams has caught 669 passes for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns.

In each of the previous five seasons, Adams has been named to the Pro Bowl. He has also been an All-Pro in each of the last two years. This past season, Adams starred for the Packers with 123 receptions for 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 18 touchdowns during the 2020 season.

The Packers have a big challenge in replacing Adams

After the Adams trade, the Packers are left with a wide receiver room that is led by Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, and Amari Rodgers. Free agent wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling also left to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Packers currently hold two picks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at 22nd and 28th overall. Many expect Green Bay to use one, if not both of those picks on a wide receiver.

There are also some wide receivers available on the free agent market. Those available include Julio Jones, Jarvis Landry, Will Fuller, and many others. Odell Beckham Jr. is also a free agent, although he is coming off of an ACL tear. The Packers were reportedly interested in Beckham before he signed with the Rams in the middle of this past season.

While it will be tough to offset the loss of Adams, the Packers are now certainly searching for an upgrade or two at receiver. But the team has to make it a priority this offseason to give Aaron Rodgers another go-to target on offense.