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The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world when they traded superstar wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in March. Adams was a legitimate alpha wide receiver and quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite target. Adams, who was an All-Pro in each of the last two seasons, instantly created a massive void in Green Bay's offense when he was dealt to Las Vegas.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about what he would look for in finding new wide receivers for the Packers- and the offensive-minded head coach immediately said “speed.” While Green Bay can find plenty of speedy wideouts in this year's NFL Draft class, it will be hard- or downright impossible- to find a replacement for someone like Adams.
Another option for the Packers is to improve all areas at the skill positions. This is an option the Packers seem to already be considering, as rumors recently emerged that the franchise was engaging in talks with the Raiders regarding talented tight end Darren Waller. Waller, who is a Pro Bowl-level tight end and one of the better receiving options at his position, would instantly be an upgrade for Green Bay at the tight end spot. He would also be a prime target for Rodgers, who needs more established weapons for a chance to contend next season.
While Green Bay is just talking tor the Raiders right now, they need to ramp up those talks and make a real push for the services of the Raiders star. Waller would be a perfect fit for Rodgers and the Packers.
Here's why.
2 Reasons Why Darren Waller Is A Perfect Fit For The Packers
2. Waller will be the best tight end Rodgers has ever played with
Rodgers has played with several highly talented receivers, from Greg Jennings to Jordy Nelson to Adams. He's clearly been blessed to play with so many talented wideouts. Unfortunately, Rodgers hasn't been so lucky with the talent he's had at the tight end position. Rodgers enjoyed the breakout season of Robert Tonyan in 2020 but had to endure a revolving door at the position before that campaign.
To find the best tight end Rodgers has ever played with, one would have to go back to the star quarterback's earlier years with the franchise, when he played with the likes of Jermichael Finley, who was a sure-handed, capable option who developed a strong rapport with Rodgers. Finley, however, can't compare to Waller, who has two 1000-yard seasons in his career and generally finds his way into conversations about the best tight ends in the league. The Raiders star is viewed as one of the premier receiving threats at the tight end spot and is genuinely very difficult for defenses to gameplan against.
One can imagine he and Rodgers forming a deadly combination for the Packers. There's reason to believe that Rodgers could be just as good- or better- with an elite tight end and solid receivers around him as he was with Adams and a lesser supporting cast.
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1. Waller would help fill the void left behind by Adams
There's no replacing every single aspect of Adams' game. There are no receivers who can run routes impeccably, take defenders deep and operate as a premier red-zone threat just walking around on the street waiting to be signed by an NFL team. However, the Packers can try to replace one part of Adams' game in an effort to soften the impact of his departure on Rodgers and the offense.
One such area is Adams' prowess in the red zone. The star wideout led the NFL in touchdowns inside the 10-yard line in 2020 and finished third in the statistic in 2021. When the Packers made it into the red zone, teams knew that Rodgers was going to Adams and they couldn't stop it anyway. Green Bay can't find anyone to completely imitate that connection, though Waller would be a pretty sure bet to do it.
The Raiders star battled injury this past season but when he was fully healthy in 2020, he was a legitimate red zone weapon. Waller, who is 6-feet 6 inches and 255 pounds, is an imposing presence for safeties and linebackers to defend. The 29-year-old finished second only to Adams in targets inside the 20-yard line back in 2020, securing six touchdowns in the red zone. Waller can be just as good as Adams was in that area of the field for Rodgers and the Packers.
Waller would be the ideal weapon for Rodgers in the post-Adams era in Green Bay.
