Some relationships end, while others can rekindle and strengthen over time. This seems to be the case for Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, who spent eight years together at the Green Bay Packers. After Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, motivated to reunite with college friend Derek Carr, they are now set to join forces again as members of the New York Jets.

The trade, long anticipated and hinted at even by Rodgers himself, took place on Tuesday, shortly after the Jets’ loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

So, what does this all mean?

Let’s take a closer look at the winners, losers, and evaluations surrounding this significant trade:

WINNERS

Davante Adams

Although he wanted to stay in Las Vegas, Adams’ departure seemed inevitable after the Raiders let go of Carr, their all-time leading passer, before the final games of the 2022 season. His frustration grew during this period, but now he’s reuniting with Rodgers, the quarterback who connected with him for countless touchdowns and memorable plays over nearly a decade. Even though Adams is nearing 32 years and Rodgers is approaching 41, they still have time to make a positive impact on a Jets team filled with potential.

Aaron Rodgers

Despite his somber mood after the Jets’ loss to the Bills, Rodgers must be feeling optimistic now. While it would usually take time for Adams to adjust to his new team, they have already collaborated under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in Green Bay, which should ease his transition. Rodgers has taken risks recently, relying on wide receiver Mike Williams for key throws, which haven’t paid off. Had Adams been on the field, the outcomes could have been different.

Kansas City Chiefs

With Adams no longer a factor, the Chiefs face one less challenge as they pursue their ninth consecutive AFC West championship. Their first match against the Raiders without Adams is in just 12 days.

Jersey No. 17

This number, previously worn by WR Garrett Wilson, was vacated when he switched to No. 5 after a tough 2023 season. Many fans hope this signifies Adams’ arrival, as he has always worn 17 in the NFL. However, he’ll need to negotiate with rookie Malachi Corley for it, who has so far contributed minimally. Fans with Wilson jerseys can easily adapt by simply covering up the name with tape.

Brock Bowers

The Raiders’ rookie tight end might not enjoy the increased attention from defenses now that Adams is gone. Nevertheless, he has performed well in the last couple of weeks without Adams, catching 17 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown. With Bowers likely becoming a central figure in the Raiders’ offense, his chances of winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award are looking better.

Joe Douglas

The Jets’ GM, who has managed to keep his position unlike the recently dismissed former head coach Robert Saleh, now enhances his already skilled roster with Adams for a conditional third-round pick. Depending on Adams’ performance and the team’s success, this pick could escalate to a second-round selection. Adams, a perennial Pro Bowler, is under contract until 2026, giving Douglas some flexibility as the contract situation evolves in 2025 when Adams’ salary significantly rises.

Garrett Wilson

Currently, he leads the NFL with 67 targets. The addition of Adams should lighten his workload and create a dynamic where opposing defenses have to decide who to focus on. With WR3 Allen Lazard stepping into a pivotal role, Wilson’s targets might decrease, but he could see improved efficiency given he previously averaged just 9.7 yards per reception.

Antonio Pierce

The rookie head coach of the Raiders has one less challenge to deal with now as this season seems to be slipping away. However, getting a favorable return on Adams will help him and the Raiders find a franchise quarterback they desperately need by 2025.

LOSERS

Antonio Pierce

The challenges surrounding Adams, partly stemming from Pierce’s own decisions, indicate that he may have strayed from crucial leadership principles, such as maintaining a low profile on social media. As interim head coach in 2023, he successfully led the Raiders to five wins in their last nine games, but reproducing that success without a key player like Adams will be a tall order.

Garrett Wilson?

Though he has emphasized the importance of winning, Wilson, now in his third NFL season at just 24 years old, will also need to adjust to his new reality.

Wilson will need to navigate the presence of another dominant player in the wide receiver group and avoid the perception that Adams’ addition could hinder his development during a vital stage in his career. As the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Wilson is approaching a significant moment early in his journey since he will be eligible for a major contract next spring. He’s occasionally struggled to align with Rodgers’ intricate playbook, and now he must perform at his best, particularly off the field, as he manages this new dynamic within the constantly evolving Jets environment.

Derek Carr

Once again, Carr is contending with an injured oblique. He’s attempting, yet again, to steer the New Orleans Saints out of a challenging spot without the chance to team up with his friend Adams. This is especially true as he currently watches rookie QB Spencer Rattler take the lead, raising concerns about his availability for a second time in three seasons.

Mike Williams

The veteran receiver seems to be struggling to reclaim his previous form following last year’s ACL surgery. It’s highly likely that this will be his only season with the Jets, where he may find himself limited to very few snaps in what appears to be a WR4 role, particularly as he doesn’t contribute on special teams.

DAVANTE ADAMS TRADE GRADES

Las Vegas Raiders: B-

One could reasonably argue that first-year Vegas GM Tom Telesco should have acted sooner instead of insisting throughout the offseason that Adams was still a key element of the Raiders’ plans. It’s unclear what value Adams might have had six months back. However, Telesco managed to secure a return similar to what other notable pass catchers, such as Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen, received during the offseason. Moreover, freeing themselves from Adams’ contract next spring gives the Raiders the flexibility they need as they face a roster that clearly requires significant rebuilding.

New York Jets: B+

This trade, involving a conditional third-round pick, is more likely to yield positive results compared to the one for the still-MIA pass rusher Haason Reddick, right, Joe? On a serious note, Douglas and the Jets were compelled to make this trade to have any hope of revitalizing the 2024 Jets and the wider Rodgers experiment. If it succeeds, few will mind giving up another Day 2 draft pick. However, if it fails spectacularly, Douglas – or his successor six months from now – can easily pivot into a rebuilding phase, clearing out older veterans and focusing on developing talents like Wilson, CB Sauce Gardner, DT Quinnen Williams, and other promising players who should still be part of the organization.

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