Raiders' Adams: Rodgers' uncertain future affected decision to leave Packers
Davante Adams admitted Thursday that quarterback Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future with the Green Bay Packers influenced his decision to join the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
"We've talked multiple times," the wide receiver said, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. "We talked throughout the whole process too, and he was aware of where I stood, and I was aware of where he stood. We had talks just like what he said the other day. He mentioned we had talks about his future and what he thinks his duration in Green Bay or just football, in general, would look like, and that played into my decision, as well."
He added: "Because where I am in my career - and this isn't a shot at anybody, any other quarterbacks, in Green Bay, I love Jordan Love especially, he's a great guy - I got aspirations of doing really, really big things and being remembered, and it just wasn't really a point in my career that I was willing to sacrifice Aaron not being there after a year or two."
Adams opted not to sign a multi-year extension with the Packers this year, choosing instead to play for the Raiders, who acquired the 29-year-old in a blockbuster trade in March. Las Vegas then gave the All-Pro pass-catcher a five-year contract worth $141 million.
Rodgers' future in Green Bay has been a topic of discussion since last offseason. The 38-year-old, who inked a three-year extension that averages $50.2 million annually, recently said he "definitely" wants to retire with the Packers. However, he added that he plans to take a season-by-season approach in evaluating his NFL future.
Adams said Rodgers "respected" his decision.
"He understood that it has a lot to do with where I want to raise my kids, family (and) being closer to home," he added.
Adams and Rodgers formed one of the NFL's most productive duos in recent years. The wideout's 238 receptions and 29 touchdown catches since 2020 lead the league.
Adams will now catch passes from Derek Carr, reviving a connection that began in college at Fresno State. Carr signed a three-year extension with the Raiders in April.
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