Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford go way back to their days as co-stars on the Detroit Lions. Outside of Cooper Kupp, Stafford arguably hasn’t had another receiver come close to the history he built with Johnson. In 2025, Puka Nacua will aim to get one step closer to that level of connection. But if he can’t, someone else will need to fill the gap.
At this stage in his career, Davante Adams and Stafford likely won’t be teammates long enough to develop a years-long bond—but that doesn’t make it any less urgent to get on the same page quickly. Johnson shared his thoughts on what Adams needs to do to build chemistry with Stafford.
Calvin Johnson on What Davante Adams Has to Show to Matthew Stafford
Speaking on the June 12 edition of “Up & Adams,” the Hall of Fame wide receiver said Adams needs to put in the effort, overcome obstacles, and earn Stafford’s trust through action.
How will Davante Adams and Matthew Stafford click in LA?
HoF WR Calvin Johnson explains what it takes to build chemistry.@heykayadams | @calvinjohnsonjr pic.twitter.com/BaUL2oLG6S
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 12, 2025
“You work and you communicate… You show that you want to work because Matthew’s gonna put the work in,” Johnson said. “He wants to see that, and he wants to have that trust, and get that level of accountability from his team members, so Davante has gotta go in there and show that.”
“He’s willing to work, and even if it’s not putting the work in on the practice field, that he’s showing he’s willing to get in there and communicate, maybe go through film, just try to get on the same page off the field because they’re veterans. They might be limited as far as practice time goes.”
Adams showed an ability to adjust quickly in 2024, recording 854 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in less than a full season with the New York Jets. He’ll need to prove it again.
On paper, Adams seems to have upgraded in 2025. He started last season with the struggling Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Jets. Now, he’s with the Rams—a team some believe could have made a Super Bowl run last year if not for running into the Philadelphia Eagles.
But Adams will be adjusting to his third offensive system since the start of 2024. That kind of turnover can make it tough to keep scheme details straight. A play call in Las Vegas might’ve meant something totally different in L.A., and an audible from the Jets could carry a new assignment under Sean McVay.
That level of change invites early-season confusion—and mistakes that wouldn’t happen in a more stable situation.
Even with the likelihood of reduced practice reps as a veteran, the pressure is on Adams to acclimate quickly. The Rams don’t just need him to contribute—they need him to fit like a glove.
