Star receiver Davante Adams insisted he was determined to help the Las Vegas Raiders win despite previous comments.
“Jimmy (Garoppolo) is a great guy,” Adams told reporters Thursday, according to the NFL’s website’s Nick Shook. “I love him to death. I didn’t know him very well before he came here, but working together a bit, hanging out, getting to know him, he’s a great guy. I’m really excited to work with him and all the others who are here.”
The Raiders parted ways with quarterback Derek Carr after the 2022 season, then replaced him with Garoppolo when it became known the Green Bay Packers were ready to move on from Adams’ former teammate Aaron Rodgers. Adams then sparked controversy earlier this month when he told The Ringer’s Mirin Fader that he and the Raiders front office “didn’t agree on what we think is best for us right now. moment”.
Adams spoke enthusiastically Thursday about his relationship with general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, and the six-time Pro Bowl selection made it clear he doesn’t want to be traded this spring or summer.
“You can grab something and run with it if you want to get clicks,” Adams said of generating headlines before organized team activities. “That’s what people often do with me and the things I say. Whether I’m wrong or talking. But at the end of the day, I’m a Raider and I’m thrilled to be here.”
Earlier in the day, McDaniels defended Adams and noted the 30-year-old had “an opinion and a voice because (he) earned it” as an All-Pro.
“I was never encouraged to speak up and share my feelings with the organization like I did with (McDaniels and Ziegler),” Adams continued. “I felt from the first time I got the call from them right after being traded, that’s the type of environment I would step into. Just based on what they have heard about me. The respect they have for the things that I’ve done on the pitch. And I’m trying to give that respect back.”
Adams also suggested that his words published by The Ringer were “taken out of context.” The five-year deal worth up to $141.25 million he received in March 2022 will likely keep him married to the Raiders for at least the 2023 season, so it makes sense he’ll try to clear the air before training camp.
“Like I never want Jimmy to feel bad, think I didn’t want him here or don’t like him,” Adams remarked. “I don’t want Josh to feel like — you know, I’m posting a picture with (Ziegler) — and then they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s Josh he is — that must be the real problem! So you can all do that. If you’re bored, go play Monopoly or c—.”
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