Davante Adams shuts down rumored Raiders tension with viral Instagram photo
Davante Adams sent shockwaves through Raiders nation on Tuesday when the typically reserved superstar brought into question the organization's vision. Speaking with The Ringer's Mirin Fader, the six-time Pro Bowler held no punches, stating that he and the Raiders front office "don't see eye-to-eye" on what is best for the team at the moment.
The comments sparked speculation of an escalating rift between Adams and Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and the possibility that the 30-year-old pass-catcher could be looking to depart from Las Vegas sooner rather than later.
On Wednesday, Adams took to social media to seemingly lay the former concerns to rest. As captured by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Adams shared a picture of him and Ziegler together, captioning the photo "The man."
Whispers of Adams' displeasure in Sin City have mounted in recent months since the team opted to part ways with close friend and fellow Fresno State alum, quarterback Derek Carr. Catching passes from Carr for the first time since their collegiate days, Adams amassed 1,516 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns on 100 receptions in 2022 — his third consecutive 100-plus reception campaign.
This offseason, the Raiders opted to side with a different pairing, reuniting head coach Josh McDaniels with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who the team inked to a three-year deal. The duo's relationship dates back to their days in New England.
When healthy Garoppolo has proven serviceable, albeit unremarkable. Over his nine seasons, he's started 15-plus regular season games just twice. During those two years, a wideout has eclipsed 57 receptions just once with him at the helm (Deebo Samuel with 77 in 2021), while no player at the position has hauled in more than six touchdowns through the air. Not exactly music to the ears of a receiver. Adams leads the NFL with 87 receiving touchdowns since entering the league in 2014.
Adams will still eat up targets in the Raiders' offense regardless of who is under center. Over Jarrett Stidham's two starts at quarterback last season, Adams managed to register a combined 226 receiving yards on 20 targets. However, entering the 10th year of his professional career, the clock is starting to tick on Adams serving as a key cog for a legitimate Super Bowl contender. And you have to seriously question whether the tandem of Garoppolo and McDaniels will ever be enough to push the Raiders over the top in an AFC West division that boasts two of the league's most elite signal callers in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
For now, it appears Adams is content in Las Vegas despite some concerns over the direction of the team.
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