Davante Adams was once the highest-paid wide receiver in the league when he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. At current writing, Adams’ contract sits No. 8 in AAV (average annual value) — his $28 million AAV is sandwiched between Jaylen Waddle’s $28.25M and DJ Moore’s $27.5M.
Let’s examine his contract and his impact on the Raiders’ salary cap.
Davante Adams’ Contract With the Raiders
In Green Bay, the Packers had applied the franchise tag to Adams, essentially tying him into a one-year deal worth just over $20 million. The tag fully guaranteed that salary, but Adams had made it clear he would not play in 2022 on the franchise tag. When it was also reported that the two sides were not close, the Packers ultimately traded Adams to Las Vegas.
Immediately after the trade, Adams signed a five-year deal worth $141.25 million and $65+ million in guarantees.
2022: $3,500,000 base salary, $12,180,000 cap hit
2023: $6,030,000 base salary, $14,740,000 cap hit
2024: $16,890,000 base salary, $25,350,000 cap hit
2025: $35,640,000 base salary, $44,100,000 cap hit
2026: $35,640,000 base salary, $44,100,000 cap hit
Adams Has 2 Years Remaining on His Contract
Adams’ contract is due to run until 2026, and Adams would become a free agent in the 2027 NFL offseason. He had spent the first eight years of his career with the Packers before the trade to the Raiders. During that time, he played under his rookie contract for the first three years. He then signed a four-year contract extension worth $58 million.
KEEP READING: Davante Adams’ Net Worth
In Green Bay, Adams reeled in 669 receptions from 1,012 targets, with 8,121 receiving yards and 73 receiving touchdowns. By the end of his time in Green Bay, Adams was widely considered the best receiver in the league. As a result, there’s no surprise he’s now paid accordingly.
Trade rumors are starting to heat up with Adams.
It's going to be hard (though not impossible) for the Raiders to get a decent return for Davante Adams. Though he can still play at a high level, his $35.6M salary in 2025 — his age-33 season — effectively makes him a less-than-one-year rental. https://t.co/xLIj9ONO3F
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) October 1, 2024
During his first two years with Las Vegas, Adams has notched 203 catches, 2,660 receiving yards, and 22 TDs. He led the league in receiving TDs in his 2022 season with the Raiders.