When you look at top receivers within the National Football League you cannot ignore that Davante Adams consistently falls within the top 3. Adams, an All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, is ready for another long-term contract but the Green Bay Packers see it differently.
As the Free Agency period begins within the NFL community news by NFL insider Ian Rappaport reported that Davante Adams, who has been franchise tagged by the Green Bay Packers, will refuse to play under the tag. Adams has been looking for a long-term contract, likely his last large contract, and the Packers are not playing ball.
There was a significant amount of speculation as to whether or not Adams would be able to test the free agency market or if the Packers would hold onto him. There was constant buzz surrounding a possible return to his college quarterback from Fresno State, now Raiders QB Derek Carr.
A big piece of the puzzle was whether or not Adams’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, would be returning to the Packers and if Adams would even want to stay if he had a new QB throwing to him.
What’s going on with Davante Adams and the Packers?
Last Tuesday, Rodgers confirmed he would be staying with the Packers for additional seasons and there was speculation that his contract was in the range of $50 million dollars, which is a figure Rodgers has denied.
With a deal in that range, it appeared doubtful that Adams would be receiving a long-term deal, especially at the price he was comfortable with. Additional rumors said that Adams is pursuing a new deal in the range of $30-$35 million dollars a year, which is approximately three million (minimum) more a year than the current highest-paid wide receiver in the league; DeAndre Hopkins.
According to Spotrac Arizona Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins signed his two-year extension in 2020 worth a total of $54.5 million with an average salary of $27.5 million. Both Adams and Hopkins have similar play styles and generally generate the same statistics each season, although lately, Adams has led the league in touchdowns and overall receiving yards.
In 2021 Adams logged 1,153 receiving yards on 123 receptions (scoring11 touchdowns) which was a Packers franchise record surpassing WR Jordy Nelson.
The receiver market however continues to rise and Hopkins at this time is paid more than several starting quarterbacks within the league. It is clear to see why some front offices would be hesitant to keep and pay receivers this amount of money when they have other needs to address.
The opinion of many is that Adams has all of the leverage in this scenario. While it is incumbent upon the Packers front office to keep Aaron Rodgers in the building they also know that without Davante Adams the goal of reaching the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl, is out of reach.
The Packers, who are already in a critical position as far as cap space goes, would have to get creative and likely pursue pay cuts for several players in order to keep Adams for the price he commands.
The bottom line is Adams will be holding out until he gets what he needs and the real bottom line is that the Green Bay Packers need Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Rodgers needs Davante Adams. Think about it.