The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just land a veteran wideout this offseason — they signed a future Hall of Famer in Davante Adams. After a short-lived stint with the Jets, Adams quickly made his way back to the West Coast, inking a two-year, $46 million deal with the Rams just days after his release. And according to quarterback Matthew Stafford, the addition could be a game-changer.
Stafford has thrown to his fair share of elite receivers throughout his career — from Calvin Johnson in Detroit to Cooper Kupp in L.A. But with Kupp’s days over, Adams steps in as the new focal point of Sean McVay’s passing game. And based on Stafford’s early impressions, Adams is already making his mark.
From Rival to Target: Matthew Stafford Raves About Davante Adams’ Arrival in L.A.
Speaking with NFL Network’s Michael Robinson during the May 14 schedule release special, Stafford didn’t hold back in his praise for Adams — both as a player and as a professional.
“He’s been great,” Stafford said. “Obviously, played against him in the division, have been a fan of his from afar on the other sideline for a long time. What he’s been able to do in the league kind of speaks for itself.”
Stafford knows firsthand how tough Adams is to defend. During their years in the NFC North, Adams consistently produced at a Pro Bowl level with the Green Bay Packers, often facing Stafford’s Detroit Lions twice a year. But now that they’re teammates, Stafford is seeing the work ethic that’s kept Adams among the NFL’s elite.
From roster moves to Super Bowl expectations…
Matthew Stafford joins NFL Schedule Release to discuss his excitement for the @RamsNFL ’25 schedule 👏 pic.twitter.com/v3dSSEHIsR
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“Getting to be around him personally every day, working with him, throwing to him… just seeing the kind of professional that he is, he fits right in,” Stafford continued. “Those are the kind of guys that, since I’ve been here in L.A., we’ve had.”
Stafford emphasized that Adams brings the same competitive spirit and attention to detail that defined his previous top targets — qualities he believes separate great receivers from merely talented ones.
“I’ve been lucky enough to throw to a bunch of guys that take the game seriously, love going out and competing, trying to find ways to get better,” Stafford said. “He’s no different, and we’re definitely excited to have him.”
Adams, now 32, may not have the top-end speed he once did, but his technical precision and route-running remain elite. In 14 games split between the Raiders and Jets last season, he posted over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns — despite inconsistent quarterback play and a midseason trade.
For the Rams, the hope is that pairing Adams with breakout rookie Puka Nacua — and reuniting him with a veteran quarterback like Stafford — can reignite an offense that’s been retooling since its Super Bowl 56 win. Stafford, for one, believes he’s in good hands.
“I know for me as a quarterback, I feel lucky for all the guys I’ve been able to throw to,” he said. “And he’s definitely, he’s up there.”