In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers hit the jackpot when they selected star wide receiver, Davante Adams. Hailing from Fresno State University, Adams was the fifty-third overall pick. He had amassed an impressive 8,121 yards and scored 73 touchdowns over eight seasons, playing alongside future Hall of Fame Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. However, Adams parted ways with the Packers franchise during the 2021 offseason to join his college teammate Derek Carr in Oakland for the Raiders, where he has been playing since.
After losing Davante Adams, fellow wide receivers, Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, found new organizations to play for, leaving a significant void in the Packers’ roster. When the 2022 draft came around, the Packers had two first-round draft picks, making the choice of selecting either Drake London from USC or Garrett Wilson from Ohio State—or perhaps Chris Olave, also from Ohio State. This left many Packer fans confused and upset, as they were in dire need of a wide receiver. The next night, in the second round, the Packers traded up to the second overall pick and selected Christian Watson from North Dakota State (34th overall). They also picked wide receiver Romeo Doubs in the 4th round (127th overall).
However, in an unfortunate turn of events, on the first offensive play of the season, Christian Watson, the newly acclaimed “Star of the Team” ran a perfect “Go Route” and was thrown a perfect pass from Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Regrettably, the ball slipped right through his hands to the ground, costing what would have been an opening play touchdown for the rookie. Later in that game, Watson left the field injured and did not return.
On November 11th, 2023, during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field, Christian Watson exceeded everyone’s expectations. He executed his routes flawlessly, scoring three touchdowns and totaling 107 yards. In the following three weeks, he scored five more times, leading all rookie WRs in touchdowns that season. When the 2023 draft arrived, the Packers addressed the need for more receiver depth by drafting Tight End Luke Musgrave in the second round (42nd overall) and WR Jayden Reed (50th overall). However, a pressing concern for the Packers arose regarding the durability and health of their new star Christian Watson. In 2022, Watson missed four full games and had to leave in-between other games due to injuries. To kick off the 2023 season, Watson missed three full games with a persistent hamstring injury.
Adams left the Green and Gold to reunite with his former college teammate Derek Carr, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints. Adams is also not getting the targets he deserves, during week five in the NFL season Adams only had four receptions mounting to just 47 yards. Adams is not content where he is. Another reason for his departure from Green Bay was his frustration with Aaron Rodgers’ complaints, but with Rogers no longer in the picture, a potential reunion of the Packers and the star Wide Receiver might be on the horizon. This could be the maturity in the locker room for the young WR and Quarterback they need, to fill the depth charts so there are no shortages on wideouts during Watson’s or other WR, and overall elevate the team’s performance.
While some might argue that Adams “betrayed the Packers”, the door is wide open for his return. During the 2022 Pro Bowl, star Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who played with Adams for four years in Green Bay humorously mentioned how they would sit out the next time they were scheduled to play each other. Interestingly, up until kickoff during week five of the 2023 season, both players were questionable to play, prompting speculation about potential discussions behind the scenes. Is Adams destined to return to Green Bay?
