Packers HC Shuts Down Adams Trade Hype, Backs “Trusted Protégé” Amid Zach Tom’s Injury

Green Bay, September 11, 2025

Amid swirling rumors of a blockbuster trade to bring back All-Pro superstar Davante Adams to Green Bay to offset right tackle Zach Tom’s injury, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has come to the defense of Darian Kinnard, the temporary RT replacement, expressing confidence in his ability as the team prepares for a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders tonight.

On September 8, a FanSided report sparked heated discussion by suggesting the Packers were considering a trade to bring back former star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. With Zach Tom (oblique, questionable) at risk of missing time or playing below full strength, the Packers’ offense was said to need a major weapon like Adams to ease pressure on Jordan Love and compensate for instability in the offensive line. The report highlighted that a Love-Adams connection could open up space for Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson (currently on the PUP list), while also facilitating the run game for Josh Jacobs. However, Matt LaFleur quickly shut down the speculation in a pregame press conference, emphasizing the team’s focus on current resources, particularly Darian Kinnard, who stepped in for Tom in the second half of last week’s 27-13 win over the Lions.

“Darian [Kinnard] has shown he can handle the job,” LaFleur said. “We brought him in from Philadelphia because we believe in his potential, and his performance against the Lions proved that. He needs time, but we’re confident he’ll hold the line, especially in high-pressure situations like tonight’s game.” Kinnard, a former All-American at Kentucky, played 4 pass-blocking snaps against the Lions, though his pass-blocking grade (31.5 per PFF) was low. Still, LaFleur praised Kinnard’s strength in run-blocking, which aligns with the Packers’ balanced attack (146.8 rushing yards in Week 1). The coach also stressed that the team doesn’t need to rush to find an external “superstar” when young players like Kinnard, Jordan Morgan, and Anthony Belton can fill the gap.

Despite the allure of bringing Adams back to Lambeau, several factors make the trade unlikely in the short term. Financial constraints from large contracts for Micah Parsons ($47 million/year) and Christian Watson ($13.25 million one-year extension) mean a trade for Adams would require complex salary restructuring, such as void years or salary sharing with the Raiders, which GM Brian Gutekunst typically avoids early in the season. Additionally, with Jayden Reed (toe, questionable), Romeo Doubs, and rookie Matthew Golden, the Packers’ receiver corps remains capable of challenging the Commanders’ secondary, especially with Jordan Love in strong form (16/22, 188 yards, 2 TDs in Week 1). The team is prioritizing offensive line stability over investing heavily in a WR1, with calling up Donovan Jennings or Trey Hill from the practice squad being a more immediate solution.

LaFleur confirmed Kinnard will take on a significant role if Tom is unable to play tonight. “We don’t want to risk Zach if he’s not ready,” he said. “Darian is prepared to step up, and we’ll support him with extra protection packages, like tight end chips or quick-game concepts.” If Kinnard performs well at RT, he could help the Packers maintain offensive rhythm against a Commanders defense that recorded just 2 sacks in Week 1. The combination of Josh Jacobs’ rushing and quick passes to Reed/Doubs will reduce pressure on Kinnard, especially if he improves his pass-blocking.

Though the Adams rumors have heated up discussions, LaFleur emphasized that the Packers are building their roster around the development of young players and tactical flexibility. “We love Davante and what he did for this team, but right now, we trust the guys we have here,” he said. “Darian, Jordan [Morgan], and even Anthony [Belton] are part of our long-term plan.” If Kinnard proves himself tonight, he could become a stable solution at RT while Tom recovers, allowing the Packers to save resources for other needs, like defensive end or secondary depth.

The idea of bringing Davante Adams back to Green Bay is bold but unlikely in the current context. Instead, Matt LaFleur is placing his faith in Darian Kinnard to fill Zach Tom’s shoes, underscoring the Packers’ commitment to developing young talent. Tonight’s game against the Commanders will be a major test for Kinnard and the Packers’ offense as they aim to maintain their NFC North lead and build momentum for the season.