With free agency right around the corner and the NFL Combine starting up this week, news and rumors are running rampant around the NFL. Here is the latest I am hearing on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
NFL Free Agency News and Rumors: What is going on with Davante Adams?
Adams will be one of the most closely watched free agents in 2022, assuming he makes it to the market. There is a belief the Packers are furiously trying to get under the salary cap in part to franchise Adams.
That would likely set off fireworks as the $19 million salary that comes along with the franchise tag at WR is $9-11 million below the contract Adams desires in hopes to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Contract estimate and salary cap implications
Adams just finished up a four-year, $58 million contract extension that turned out to be great value for the Packers. Adams was 19th in average annual value (AAV) among wide receivers in 2021. He made less than inferior players like Amari Cooper, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Golladay, Julio Jones, and Robert Woods.
That should change soon. If Adams gets the multi-year contract he deserves, it could be a record-breaker. Spotrac estimates his market value at $25.8 million annually. Figuring out a way to make that fit on the Packers’ balance sheet is a challenge. They are a projected $48 million over the cap — which is almost all due to Rodgers’ $46.7 million cap figure in 2022.
If Adams does hit the open market, where could he land?
I previously reported the Denver Broncos are expected to target Adams. The Las Vegas Raiders, who will be about $40 million under the cap and need a receiver, will go after Adams if he’s available. The Jacksonville Jaguars, another WR-needy team who are a whopping $70 million under the cap, are expected to make a run at Adams.
I’m told the Los Angeles Chargers, who are under the cap a little more than $58 million, are another team to watch. The Chargers will be paying veteran Keenan Allen a projected $19 million in 2022. However, WR2 Mike Williams is set to hit free agency. Adams would be an upgrade and gives Justin Herbert a lethal weapon.
Recapping Adams’ 2021 season
In 2021, Adams had arguably the best season of his career — and that’s saying something. He caught 123 passes for 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games. His catch rate (72.8%) and yards per game (97.1) were well above his career averages.
Adams made his fifth Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro for the second time. And while the Packers’ red-zone efficiency wasn’t the same as when he led the NFL in touchdowns (18 in 2020), he was still a threat in and around the end zone. His 11 touchdowns ranked fourth in the NFC this season.
In just eight seasons, Adams is already second on the Packers’ all-time receptions (669) and touchdown catches (73) lists. Additionally, he’s fourth in receiving yards (8,121).
Stay up to date with the latest in NFL free agency
As the league transitions into free agency, there will be plenty of news and rumors from around the NFL in regard to your favorite team. That includes chatter about players who will be on the move (or not) in free agency. Stay updated and keep track of Pro Football Network’s Top 50 Free Agent Rankings to better understand the free agent market.