Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Adams Defends Benched Quarterback

The Las Vegas Raiders made a bold move by benching quarterback Derek Carr earlier this week, and its ramifications are reverberating throughout the franchise. Star wide receiver Davante Adams went to bat for his long-time friend, defending the passer's leadership and discipline.

Davante Adams has Derek Carr's back 💪 pic.twitter.com/CTg9rCFrxQ
— PFF (@PFF) December 29, 2022

Carr and Adams' relationship dates back to college when the two played together at Fresno St. Adams joined the Raiders earlier this year via a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers and claims Carr's presence on the team was a big reason why. Now, Carr's future with the team is suddenly very much in doubt.

Carr's benching is all but certain to result in an offseason trade or release. Adams signed a massive five-year, $140 million extension this season that likely locks him onto the Raiders for the foreseeable future, but if Adams playing with the Raiders was contingent on catching passes from Carr, the Raiders could have a huge problem on their hands.

Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro and is one of the league's truly dominant wide receivers. He's had plenty of success without Carr; he caught 506 balls for 6195 yards and 57 touchdowns from 2017 to 2021 with the Green Bay Packers. But if he wasn't happy with Aaron Rodgers delivering him the ball, assuming he'll be happy with whoever ends up throwing passes for the Raiders next year is a very risky proposition.