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    Davante Adams Landing Spots: Bears, Browns, and Dolphins among potential destinations

    What are the potential landing spots for Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams if he leaves via free agency in 2022?

    Superstar wide receiver Davante Adams is set to become a free agent after the season. Will the Green Bay Packers re-sign him? How much of his future in Green Bay is tied to that of Aaron Rodgers? And what other NFL teams could be landing spots for Adams in 2022? Let’s dive into the possibilities for the league’s best receiver.

    Will Davante Adams remain with the Packers?

    Adams and Rodgers infamously posted photos of The Last Dance documentary over the summer, seemingly indicating 2021 would be the duo’s final season in Green Bay. If Rodgers does end up getting traded this offseason, it might make sense for the Packers to start over and rebuild. Adams is still a fantastic player, but he’ll turn 29 years old this month. Green Bay is already projected to be nearly $40 million over the salary cap in 2022. Can they afford a $19.1 million franchise tag for Adams?

    Of course, Adams is still playing like the All-Pro that he is. Despite missing one game due to COVID-19, Adams is third in the league in receiving yards (1,083), sixth in targets (115), and eighth in receptions (80). While he’s only scored 5 touchdowns, he’s fourth among qualifying receivers in yards per route run. Adams seemingly hasn’t entered any sort of decline phase.

    Davante Adams landing spots

    If the Packers don’t re-sign Adams, what other NFL teams could express interest? Let’s take a look at a few potential destinations.

    The Chicago Bears could steal Adams from their division rival

    The Bears have essentially been a one-man show at receiver this season. With Allen Robinson ineffective and/or injured, second-year wideout Darnell Mooney has stepped up and taken on No. 1 duties for Chicago. Mooney is lapping the rest of the Bears’ pass catchers in targets, and he’s posted an outstanding 51-721-3 line thus far.

    Robinson won’t be back in 2022. Grabbing Adams from the Packers would be an excellent move for the Bears as they look to further surround Justin Fields with weaponry. Chicago is certainly aware of Adams’ capabilities. He’s faced the Bears 15 times in his career and posted 71 catches for 903 yards and 8 touchdowns.

    Adams would help open up a depleted Cleveland Browns passing attack

    Everything the Browns do on offense looks difficult in 2021. When they can’t get their ground game going, their passing offense doesn’t stand a chance. Yes, Baker Mayfield is dealing with a myriad of injuries, but his receiving corps hasn’t helped either. Cleveland’s skill position arsenal took a further hit when the club released Odell Beckham Jr. just after the trade deadline.

    Looking ahead to next season, the Browns need to revamp their wide receiver depth chart. Jarvis Landy isn’t worth a $16.6 million cap figure. If Cleveland cuts him, they’d have nearly $55 million in available salary-cap space with which to work. There will be other free-agent receivers available on the market (Chris Godwin, Mike Williams). Yet, none would offer Andrew Berry, Kevin Stefanski, and the rest of the Browns decision-makers the complete package that Adams brings.

    Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins would benefit from Adams’ addition

    Jaylen Waddle has been a fantastic addition for the Dolphins after selecting him sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. While he’s only averaging 9.9 yards per reception, the Alabama alum is fourth in the league with 86 catches. Waddle has been a valuable security blanket for Tua Tagovailoa, who has certainly shown signs of progression this season.

    But Tua needs at least one more wide receiver. Will Fuller has been a free-agent bust, while DeVante Parker simply can’t stay healthy and could be a release candidate. We know Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants to win immediately. What better way to accomplish that goal than by signing the NFL’s best wide receiver?

    Could the New York Jets add a free agent receiver for the second consecutive year?

    Jets general manager Joe Douglas’ future in New York may be tied to the development of rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. So far, things haven’t looked great for the BYU product. While Wilson is playing behind a subpar offensive line in a questionable scheme, he’s looked totally unprepared for life in the NFL.

    While New York might be better off spending their free-agent budget on offensive line help, it wouldn’t be out of character for them to pursue a high-profile pass catcher like Adams. Gang Green already signed Corey Davis to a mid-level deal last offseason. Rookie slot receiver Elijah Moore looks like a star. Giving Wilson a starting WR trio of Adams, Davis, and Moore would be a fantastic gift for the rookie signal-caller.

    The Las Vegas Raiders desperately need pass-catching help

    Hunter Renfrow has turned into one of the more reliable slot receivers in the NFL. Darren Waller — when healthy — is among the league’s best tight ends. But the Raiders need to add at least one more option to their passing attack, and it would behoove them to target a clear alpha WR like Adams.

    Las Vegas will likely be looking for a new head coach in 2022. Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching position last season and could be in contention for a top gig again next year. Could Hackett land with the Raiders and bring his offensive system and best receiver with him?

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