As Matt LaFleur set out to annoy fantasy GMs with his wide receiver setup over the past two years, the Packers have seen some growth from their array of young talent. Jayden Reed and tight end Tucker Kraft have emerged as quality targets, with the likes of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs showing flashes as regulars.
The Packers, however, have not featured a 900-yard receiver since the 2021 season. Their 2022 Davante Adams tag-and-trade move ended a run of Pro Bowl seasons at the position. Reed’s 857-yard 2024 represents the highwater mark over the past three years. The Packers have ranked 12th in passing yards in each of Jordan Love‘s two seasons, and Josh Jacobs recently suggested the team should pursue a true No. 1-level wide receiver this offseason.
Although Tee Higgins is expected to reach free agency, the bidding for the five-year Bengals target will run hot. As LaFleur also has pushed back against the idea his offense needs a defined WR1, Adams is likely to be available again. And he is believed to be open to a Packers reunion, according to Madison.com’s Jason Wilde.
This, of course, does not mean the Packers would automatically be interested in adding the off-and-on Aaron Rodgers weapon. They already cashed out via the 2022 Raiders swap, fetching first- and second-round picks. That said, Adams confirmed Green Bay offered a better deal compared to Las Vegas’ (five years, $140MM) in 2022. The Packers were unable to complete an extension with Adams ahead of his 2021 contract year, an All-Pro showing, and the Fresno State alum ended up preferring a reunion with Derek Carr over staying with the Packers. That would make an about-face involving Green Bay rather interesting, especially with Rodgers long gone.
Adams has also been tied to heading back to the west coast. It is not certain the Jets bail via release, as a third Adams trade could conceivably occur. It would likely take the Jets eating some salary to move on. As it stands, Gang Green will not pay Adams $35.64MM in 2025. If they move on via release, cap savings of $29.9MM would come the retooling team’s way. The Jets are also expected to cut Rodgers, representing a clean break after a two-year period in which the team centered around the aging QB.
Adams is now 32, but he showed in New York he remains capable of quality play. Though, Adams probably is not capable of production on the level of his previous Packers form any longer. That could dissuade a team from giving up assets to land his through-2026 contract. Considering the Packers’ stance on their receiver room, it would be borderline farfetched for Green Bay to dive back in — especially now that Love is already on a $55MM-per-year contract.
Breaking through in 2016, Adams has totaled at least 997 receiving yards in each of the past eight seasons. Six 1,000-yard campaigns are mixed into that run, as the former Green Bay second-rounder has made a Hall of Fame case. Adams led the NFL with 18 touchdown receptions in 2020, and he boosted Rodgers to his fourth MVP a year later with a career-high 1,553 receiving yards. Rodgers’ attempts to convince Adams to stay in 2022 did not work out, though the duo reunited in New York two years later.
The Packers have run into a health issue at receiver as well, as Watson is likely to begin the 2025 late due to the ACL tear he sustained in Week 18. Watson and Doubs are going into contract years, with Reed and Dontayvion Wicks signed through 2026. It will be interesting to see if the Packers do add a notable receiver piece this offseason, even though Adams appears likelier to end up elsewhere.
I don’t see it. My top landing spots for Davante as of this writing are Rams Broncos Niners Chiefs or Chargers. Rams makes most sense to me
People keep saying Rams, but I thought they wanted to trade Cooper Kupp to get younger and cheaper at the position. Adams is older and more expensive. I think that the Chiefs need to find a way to get a guy that can challenge a defense down the field.
Adams is way less injury prone and still is a dynamic catcher and route runner to pair up with Puka.
Maybe. I don’t see Adams as a “massive” upgrade over Kupp.
Replacing Kupp with someone the same age for the same cap makes no sense
It’s the nfl that happens all the time lol
Hard to see the Niners investing real money in yet another pass catcher.
The Packers make the most sense!! He was drafted there had all of his success there and if he wants to get to the SB the packers would be that team
Davante might be iffy with a younger QB
Packers at this current time make sense. I wouldn’t say Jordan Love is a younger QB. Been with the Packers since 2020 and started the past two years. Adams and Love were former teammates. Spent two years together. So, it’s safe to say they should have some knowledge about each other.
They need a real #1. Not sure if Adams fits that bill anymore.
I think Reed is pretty legit, just dealt with some injuries last year.
Reed, Adams, Doubs would be formidable
I love that move for him. Since he’s now officially become a journeyman, it’s a better look to journey back somewhere and be welcomed. Maybe says you’re not a journeyman because you burned bridges, but you’re a journeyman because people really wanted you.
True. Returning to Pack would be good for his legacy
He’d make sense if he’s committed to being there and the price is right.
His value was never as a physical freak or a track star. The route running, hands (after the early issues), and not giving away that the ball was incoming until the absolute last moment. At 32, I don’t think those things have eroded. But even as a high #2, he’s still better than anyone they have..including Reed, who is still getting better. And he’s generally healthier than Watson or Doubs (since the Raiders injury I believe was as much a protest against the organization).
All that said, I don’t see Gute wanting him back, or being open to forking over the kind of money he’d want to return.
Chiefs need him the most but don’t see them ponying up the cash for him
Not many teams need a WR who can no longer run.
Let’s get Adams next to Ceedee and get this Ball Rolln this year!!!!
Cmon Jerry put ur teeth in and make the call!!!!
Adams would be an asset in green and gold. Would be great to see his return here.