The Raiders’ surprise acquisition of wide receiver Davante Adams was a showstopper this offseason, causing a huge commotion within NFL circles worldwide.
And it was a lot of fun for Raiders fans and followers, too. But the best part? We haven’t even begun to see what Adams can do in a Las Vegas uniform.
Okay, actually, that’s perhaps not the best part about the Raiders’ new football reality. Upon further thought, it’s that Adams isn’t alone on the Raiders offense. He joins playmakers Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, along with quarterback and leader, Derek Carr, among others.
As for Waller, he recently said that Adams’ megastar ability and work ethic is inspiring. From a player who has battled addiction and grown from late-round pick to megastar in his own right, that’s quite a statement.
Here’s part of what Waller said about Adams while appearing on The Jim Rome Show.
“He brings megastar ability. And the defense can’t help but notice and send the troops at a guy like that, you know?” Waller said. “But it’s also about getting to know him. [He has] a very calm demeanor — a guy that doesn’t need somebody to set a standard for excellence for him. He’s going to go and do it. So, definitely inspiring to be around.”
As for a gameday preview, Waller said that the Raiders offense, with its complementary set of skill players, could have a fun year in 2022. He cautioned, however, that it will take a level of unselfishness from his teammates to truly unlock their potential as a group.
“We have a lot of guys that can really get things done,” Waller said. “As long as guys stay in the game and bring a level of unselfishness to it, and see the value in how you run your route to get somebody else open, I feel like there will be incredible balance and it’ll be a fun year, especially for our side of the ball.”
While Waller is correct to point out the importance of teamwork, I think it’s safe to say that Waller himself will be a leader in that department. His play has drastically outgrown his contract, which makes him the 17th highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Waller is considered by many a top-3 tight end and had 107 receptions just two seasons ago.
But Waller is all in on the Raiders in 2022. When he was asked about his contract at OTAs, he brushed right past the issue and said he’s focused on football.
Though Waller is the ultimate professional and focuses on the task at hand no matter the scenario, the addition of Adams likely has him paying even closer attention. The Raiders got a taste of the NFL Playoffs last year, and to hear the team talk during OTAs, they want more.
And it’s clear that Adams could be a key to unlocking a juggernaut on offense for the Raiders, along with new coach Josh McDaniels and his Super Bowl-tested playbook.
So while Raider Nation had a blast when Las Vegas acquired megastar Davante Adams, the real fun is slated to start in September when the Raiders put all their elite pieces together and face the Chargers in Week 1 of the upcoming NFL season.