Rob Gronkowski believes Davante Adams influenced Raiders’ decision to fire HC Josh McDaniels

The Raiders signed the former starting QB to a three-year contract worth $72.75 million.

Rob Gronkowski believes Davante Adams influenced Raiders’ decision to fire HC Josh McDaniels

Josh McDaniels and Davante Adams (via Silver and Black Pride/CNN)

With all the discussions swirling around regarding the firing of Josh McDaniels from the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, there seems a possibility that Davante Adams is involved. The All-Pro wide receiver making just one catch for 11 yards is considered exceptional. Despite that, the team lost to the Detroit Lions in Week 8, and Adams fell short of words after the defeat.

As it was marked as the fifth lost game for the Raiders, owner Mark Davis didn’t waste more time and fired head coach McDaniels, along with general manager Dave Ziegler. Entering Week 9 of the season, the Raiders not only changed its head coach and GM but also named starting quarterback rookie Aidan O’Connell, over Jimmy Garoppolo.

YouTube video

However, NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski thinks wide receiver Adams might have influenced this transition in the Raiders. As he discussed these recent updates about the team in a conversation with Kay Adams, on the FanDuel TV program ‘Up and Adams’. Kay highlighted the fact that Davis discussed all the possible changes in the team with the players. She asked Gronkowski how much power, in his opinion, Davante has in the team.

FS Video
Yeah, you don't want to lose a guy like Davante Adams. I would say he has a pretty good amount of power for being just a player….he's the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. So, I would say he definitely has some serious pull, there's no doubt about it.
Rob Gronkowski said on the Up and Adams Show

Gronkowski highlighted Davante’s immense talent, drawing a big following. He’s a rare talent, so it’s crucial to keep him content and attentive to what he says. Davante’s decline under Coach McDaniels was clear, leading to thoughts of a trade. With McDaniels gone and Davante, Josh Jacobs, and the capable quarterback O’Connell, the Raiders can build a powerful offense.

Raiders’ decision questioned for benching Jimmy Garoppolo after signing a huge deal

As the Las Vegas Raiders benched Garoppolo, it seems like they trust rookie O’Connell, who they named starting QB, more than him. Rookie O’Connell was selected in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft. He made his debut on the field in Week 4, against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Garoppolo went through concussion protocol.

Raiders' Aidan O'Connell and Jimmy Garoppolo
Aidan O’Connell and Jimmy Garoppolo (via SI)

O’Connell’s stats for the game: 24 completions, 238 yards, 1 interception. In Week 7, he stepped in for Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer against the Chicago Bears, throwing his first touchdown from 10 passes for 75 yards.

However, O’Connell taking over as the starting quarterback while Garoppolo is benched might not be the best timing. The Raiders signed Garoppolo to a hefty three-year, $72.75 million contract, even though he won’t see much playing time this season, as Gronkowski pointed out.

In case you missed it: