Davante Adams finds himself in a peculiar full-circle moment, unexpectedly reunited with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the Los Angeles Rams, reigniting memories of a viral on-field frustration clip that encapsulated a challenging period for the star wideout. This unexpected pairing comes as Adams embarks on a new chapter, aiming for Super Bowl contention with a fresh team, yet facing a familiar quarterback from his turbulent past with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Adams’ journey to the AFC West began in 2022, a highly anticipated move to the Las Vegas Raiders to play alongside his college teammate and friend, quarterback Derek Carr. However, their reunion was cut short when Carr was benched late in the 2022 season by then-head coach Josh McDaniels and subsequently released in the offseason, leaving Adams without his preferred signal-caller.
Following Carr’s departure, the Raiders brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, a quarterback with whom McDaniels had a prior working relationship from their time with the New England Patriots. Despite the coaching staff’s familiarity with Garoppolo, the on-field chemistry with Davante Adams proved elusive, leading to visible frustration from the All-Pro receiver during the 2023 season, culminating in a widely circulated clip of Adams expressing his displeasure after an overthrown pass against the Detroit Lions.
This period of adjustment and visible discontent was also captured in the popular Netflix documentary ‘Receiver’, a follow-up to the highly successful ‘Quarterback’ series. The show chronicled the complex dynamics of Adams’ first year without Aaron Rodgers, shedding light on the controversial decision to leave the Green Bay Packers, where he had forged a tremendously successful partnership with the future Hall of Famer.
While Adams’ initial season in Vegas with Derek Carr was statistically stellar, amassing 1,516 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, the subsequent 2023 season demanded he forge chemistry with a new quarterback in Garoppolo. The frustrations were evident, with Adams frequently finding himself open yet not receiving the ball, or being placed in precarious positions by errant throws, amplifying the pressure on the high-profile receiver. This highlighted the struggles during his time with the Raiders.
Midway through the 2024 NFL season, Adams was traded to the New York Jets, a move that surprisingly reunited him with Aaron Rodgers. While this pairing aimed to revitalize the Jets’ offense and push for a playoff berth, the improved performance was ultimately insufficient to secure a postseason spot, marking another transition for Adams.
As part of the 2025 NFL Free Agency period, Davante Adams signed with the Los Angeles Rams, envisioning a prime opportunity to chase a Super Bowl title alongside veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, with Stafford currently sidelined, Adams has found himself practicing with the Rams’ backup quarterback, none other than Jimmy Garoppolo, bringing their history to the forefront of recent NFL news and discussions.
Reflecting on their past, Adams recently addressed the viral clip and their challenging period together, stating, “We got to catch up and get on the right page, obviously, that was just a dark moment in all of our lives, I think all of us were pretty miserable over there.” This candid admission suggests a new perspective and potential for a more harmonious dynamic between the two as they prepare for the upcoming season, especially with Stafford’s reworked contract solidifying his presence for the next two seasons.
The renewed association between Adams and Garoppolo, however temporary, offers a unique storyline for the Los Angeles Rams as they aim to contend for a championship. It underscores the unpredictable nature of NFL careers and the potential for professional reconciliation, a compelling narrative for fans tracking the star receiver’s pursuit of another Super Bowl ring.
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