Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star wide receiver, is no stranger to making headlines, both with his on-field dominance and his unfiltered remarks off the field. Recently, Adams took a subtle yet pointed swipe at the Chicago Bears, reigniting a long-standing narrative about the team’s struggles and his career trajectory.
In this article, we’ll break down Adams’ comments, analyze their context, and explore what they mean for both the Bears and Adams himself as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s elite receivers.
What Did Davante Adams Say About the Bears?
During a recent interview, Adams was asked about his journey from the Green Bay Packers to the Raiders and whether he ever considered playing for another team. In his response, Adams remarked that many interpreted it as a dig at the Bears:
“I’ve always been about winning and being in a stable situation. You see, in certain organizations year after year, the same story. I’m not trying to be part of that.”
While Adams didn’t explicitly name the Bears, fans and analysts quickly connected the dots. The Bears have been one of the NFL’s most inconsistent franchises over the past decade, with only a handful of winning seasons and no deep playoff runs. Given Adams’ history with the NFC North (having tormented the Bears twice a year with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay), the implication was clear.
Why the Bears? Context Behind Adams’ Comments
1. A History of Dominance Against Chicago
Adams spent eight seasons with the Packers, where he routinely dismantled the Bears’ secondary. Some notable performances include:
2018: 5 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD in a Packers win
2020: 10 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD in a Week 12 victory
2021: 6 catches, 121 yards in a season finale
His dominance was so consistent that Bears fans dreaded facing him twice a year.
2. The Bears’ Organizational Struggles
Since Adams entered the league in 2014, the Bears have:
Had only three winning seasons
Made the playoffs twice (2018, 2020), losing both times in the Wild Card round
Cycled through multiple head coaches (Marc Trestman, John Fox, Matt Nagy, now Matt Eberflus)
Struggled to find a franchise QB (Jay Cutler, Mitchell Trubisky, Justin Fields, now Caleb Williams)
Adams’ jab seems to reflect a broader sentiment around the league—that the Bears have been a poorly run franchise for years.
3. The Contrast with Adams’ Success
While the Bears floundered, Adams became a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl contender year after year in Green Bay. His move to the Raiders hasn’t yielded the same team success, but his personal production (100+ catches in 2022, 1,000+ yards in 2023) remains elite.
How Have Bears Fans and Analysts Reacted?
Adams’ comments didn’t go unnoticed in Chicago. Reactions have been mixed:
Bears Fans:
Defensive: Some fans pointed out that the Bears are finally turning things around with Caleb Williams and a revamped offense.
Self-Deprecating: Others agreed with Adams, acknowledging the team’s struggles.
Angry: A few called Adams “disrespectful,” arguing that he shouldn’t take shots at a franchise that hasn’t been a direct rival of his since 2022.
NFL Analysts:
Stephen A. Smith (ESPN): “Davante ain’t lying. The Bears have been a mess for years. But if Caleb Williams pans out, maybe they’ll finally shut guys like Adams up.”
Colin Cowherd (Fox Sports): “Adams is just stating facts. The Bears are like the Knicks of the NFL—big market, historic, but always underperforming.”
Could Adams Ever Play for the Bears?
While Adams’ comments suggest he wouldn’t want to join Chicago, NFL careers are unpredictable. A few scenarios where this could change:
If the Bears Become Contenders: If Caleb Williams leads a resurgence, Chicago could become an attractive destination for veterans chasing a ring.
A Trade or Free Agency Move: Adams is under contract with the Raiders until 2026, but if Las Vegas struggles, he might seek a trade. Would the Bears make a move?
Legacy Considerations: Playing for a historic franchise like the Bears could appeal to Adams later in his career if they’re competitive.
For now, though, it seems Adams is content taking subtle shots from afar.
Final Thoughts: Adams’ Swipe and What It Means
Davante Adams’ comments about the Bears weren’t just a random dig—they were a reflection of his career-long dominance over Chicago and the franchise’s prolonged struggles. While Bears fans may not appreciate the criticism, it’s hard to argue with the facts.
The real question now is whether the Bears can turn things around under Caleb Williams and prove Adams wrong. If they do, maybe the next time Adams speaks about Chicago, it’ll be with a little more respect.
Until then, his swipe serves as another reminder of how far the Bears have to go to shed their reputation as one of the NFL’s most inconsistent teams.