Early Wednesday evening, news broke that the Packers had traded kick returner / punt returner / wide receiver to Trevor Davis to the Oakland Raiders for a 6th round draft pick.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt Lafleur reportedly were high on Davis throughout the off-season and training camp. The two must have been ready to move on from Davis at the right price. Trevor Davis was drafted in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Packers.
This is the second time that the Packers tried to trade him. Gutekunst tried to trade him before the start of the regular season last year but found no teams interested in acquiring him them. So getting a 6th round pick in next year’s draft for Davis is a quality return.
Possibly it was Davis’ performance in the third pre-season game in Winnipeg against the Raiders that helped seal this deal. Davis had 78 yards receiving, a touchdown, 18 yards rushing and a 17 yard punt return. He was able to showcase his speed to the Raiders during that game.
By going being traded to the Raiders, Davis will be able to compete for a wide receiver spot and possibly even start. An opportunity that he did not have in Green Bay as he was behind Adams, Allison, MVS and Jake Kumerow. The Raiders are lacking a speedster, so this trade does satisfy a need that they were looking for.
The primary candidates to take over return duties are Tremon Smith and Darrius Shepherd. Likely taking over kick off returns will be Tremon Smith. Punt returns will likely be handled by Shepherd. Gutekunst and Lafleur not only must be really high on Smith and Shepherd, they also must of been quite ready to move on from Davis for getting a 6th rounder for him.
Game Day is only 3 days away, and the Packers are looking to go 3-0. Go Pack Go!
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
