Davante Adams Talks Rodgers, Contract
In a recent interview, Davante Adams talked about the Aaron Rodgers situation and the status of his next contract.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams says the team isn’t focused on the drama surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In an interview with Fox News, Adams said the feud between Rodgers and the front office doesn’t spill over into the locker room or the practice field.
"Honestly, it’s not even something that we truly talk about like that. It's just, everybody’s been dialed into what they got to do. There’s enough to worry about with themselves than to be going and worrying about what other guys are doing and what their situation is like, especially when we can’t control any of that," said Adams. "I think everybody’s mindset, everybody is going to love Aaron the same way when he returns, and obviously it’s been a little bit of a confusing situation, but there hasn’t been any negative talk or anything like that. Everybody’s behind him."
The Packers have had a successful offseason without Rodgers after he failed to show up for voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Under the direction of Jordan Love, the offense experienced peaks and valleys as you would expect when led by a second-year quarterback. Nonetheless, the experience has been critical for Love, who saw little action as a third-string rookie.
Of course, Adams is happy to help a young teammate but still misses his All-Pro quarterback and close friend.
“Obviously, I’m praying that he comes back,” Adams said during minicamp. “I think we all want him back…when and if he comes back, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
Rodgers’ frustration will take on a new form if he fails to show up for training camp. Right now, the scope of the rumors surrounding him and the team is mostly speculative. Rodgers has declined to speak on his concerns and has not indicated if he will be re-joining the team this summer.
In the meantime, Adams is focused on getting ready for his 8th season, while his agent negotiates his next contract. Adams’ current deal ends following the 2021 season, and the Packers will surely want to re-sign or extend him to a multi-year contract.
"It’s kind of just been the beginning stage of talking, and we’ll figure out what happens. Hopefully, something gets figured out, but I’m just there to play ball either way. That stuff will take care of itself eventually."
Catching passes from Rodgers has helped Adams develop into one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Last year, Adams caught a career-high 115 passes for 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see how the Rodgers situation factors into Adams' contract decisions. The two are very close on and off the field, and Adams is highly supportive of Rodgers.
The only certainty is whoever ends up paying Adams will have to make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (40)
LambeauPlain
June 25, 2021 at 12:15 pm
So Adams intends to honor the contract he signed. Novel idea.
PatrickGB
June 25, 2021 at 12:17 pm
I think that the team wants Adams back. It’s just a matter of money. I don’t think that #12 plays a part in his decision.
mattgsx
June 25, 2021 at 04:51 pm
Sure he does. There's no way GB can afford both. Rodgers, if he can be coaxed to come back for 2021, will demand a trade or release after the season absent an extension that has guaranteed money into his 40's. This will not be possible without either letting Tae walk, or making significant cuts to the roster elsewhere that make it nearly impossible for the Packers to stay competitive.
After this year, one walks or both walk.
greengold
June 25, 2021 at 12:43 pm
I totally agree LambeauPlain & PatrickGB.
Davante Adams wants to get paid, and I think the Packers want to keep him. I don't think AR factors into this. The Packers chose Davante, and they likely want to keep him with the team throughout his career.
Right now, he's arguably the top WR in the NFL. With his style of play, and his effectiveness, I don't see that changing anytime soon. Not only will he help with his productivity in moving the chains and in scoring, but he will be a boon to WR Amari Rodgers and any other WRs we may draft next year in terms of mentorship and guidance. Davante will also be a godsend to QB Jordan Love as a go-to WR, while he is learning the ropes.
Adams staying with the Packers is a big plus.
Should the Packers decide to not extend Davante Adams, and use those monies elsewhere, like on D? Or if they choose to trade him for max value? There is little downside to that as well, because Adams will command top $$$. Either way, the Packers are in a good spot.
ImaPayne
June 25, 2021 at 07:58 pm
You may be right but I think if rodgers bails out Adams will take a look at all other options. there actually are some good qbs out there who can also toss the ball around. Teams with deep pockets and nicer climates.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 26, 2021 at 09:15 am
I agree the Packers are in a good spot with not only Adams, but Rodgers. Either way, I have a hard time justifying paying either Adam's, or Rodgers (particularly if he wants contract adjusted). If we keep one than preferably it is Adam's.
TarynsEyes
June 25, 2021 at 01:08 pm
In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Graham Matthews, Adams made it clear he wants to stay in Green Bay beyond the 2021 season. Here’s what Adams said when asked whether he wants to re-sign:
“That’s the plan, man. I’m not planning on going anywhere. That’s only one piece of it, though. Obviously, the quarterback situation helps it, but the stars got to align across the board as far as contractually. We’ll figure all that stuff out and let it happen. I’ll be at training camp like I said regardless, we’re going to play the season, and we’ll see how all of that pans out.”
This was Fansided and my comment there is the same here.
"Just because it isn't in his plans at the moment, the fact is that plans change in a moment and one only needs one bag to leave and get the rest afterward. He obviously is waiting on what happens with Rodgers this year and for the following. The FO could be ensuring that neither are back in 2022 or earlier depending on the season and its direction."
greengold
June 25, 2021 at 01:23 pm
Thanks for sharing that, TarynsEyes.
Yeah, good to hear he wants to be back. And, I agree he might be waiting to see how it all plays out on the QB front. Both with regards to what AR does, also on how well he might thing he and JL match up moving forward. That is a great point, and I can see it might push back a possible extension until later, maybe when we are in season. For all we know, maybe he becomes part of a trade too.
This is wide open. A lot of possibilities in play. No doubt.
Coldworld
June 25, 2021 at 01:41 pm
Players often say that they want to stay with a team, doing so is the least disruptive option for them and their families, but in the end, it’s often not the option that they end up taking for financial and opportunity reasons. I don’t put too much stock in it one way or the other beyond the fact that he wasn’t looking to leave.
stockholder
June 25, 2021 at 04:22 pm
25,000,000 a year? Thats the figure I've seen projected.
TarynsEyes
June 25, 2021 at 06:14 pm
If I was Adams and the Packers were signing me to a deal of $25 mill per year, I'd pick up the phone, call Rodgers and tell him to do whatever the F he wants because, as they all say at some point, 'I got my money and I don't care who's throwing the ball now'. They'll deny it to the media, but that's what they're saying.
Fabio
June 26, 2021 at 03:55 am
If AR doesn't come back (retirement, Covid 19 exit, exchange) I don't think it would be wise to keep Adams.
I think it would be much wiser to invest in an ILB that makes the difference to have a great D and to draw up a WR that can establish a new alchemy with the young Q (for a long time without risk of injury as for Adams)
Moreover, it would avoid speculations and comparisons for JL that could slow down the growth path.
Most likely with the absence of AR we will not have (at least for the first two years) an attack of over 30 points on average, so it would be appropriate for the D to support the game.
jannesbjornson
June 26, 2021 at 07:49 am
I'm still waiting on the fantasy trade for all the One picks and Pro bowlers.
greengold
June 26, 2021 at 09:18 am
Why would you do that? It’s my job. I got this, jannes. No worries.
It looked like an AR trade to DEN was in the works when AR dropped his Draft Day bombshell, April 29th and QB needy DEN passed on taking Justin Fields at #9. Countless media outlets and NFL personnel staff have opined & speculated on same since.
It is almost July, and the possibility still remains to this very day... TC doesn’t begin for another month.
Eh, whatever. The idea wasn’t without reasoning. I’ve stayed up on Bronco blogs & podcasts. Public sentiment along with Bronco media members are only now coming around to 3 R1s and a player as the most likely price, going up from there.
It might happen. Probably will happen. Depends now on “when?”
Some have speculated on the possibility of an opt out for AR, and how that might benefit the Packers, if AR indeed holds to his word that he won’t play for us. It is one of the strangest player issues that I can recall in over 50 years of watching this game.
I’m going to support the QB who is here for the Packers, their pick chosen specifically to lead us for the future.
Fabio
June 26, 2021 at 11:49 am
I think the exchange will never happen this season. BG would lose face and be at risk of becoming the laughing stock of the whole NFL .....
Stroh
June 27, 2021 at 01:30 am
ILB do NOT make a difference in a great D. Maybe decades ago, but no longer. One need only look at the Packers highly ranked (#1 IIRC) in '97 and '09. AJ Hawk was the main ILB in 09 and Bernardo HARRIS IIRC in '97.
It's about pass rush and coverage in the NFL. There hasn't been a Ray Lewis in the draft, since Ray Lewis! And while Lewis was great, he usually was surrounded by great players as well.
How has Roquan Smith made the bears D great?! He's good, but hardly the missing piece to a great D.
packer132
June 26, 2021 at 11:59 am
As Coldworld said, players will say they want to return to the team. Jamaal Williams said he wanted to be a packer, but it was either him or Jones that would be gone due to finances. Adams will cost about $25 million, and as others have posted I think they should trade or not resign after 2021. Green Bay has done a great job with aging OL players (Sitton, Wells, Bulaga, Lang,Taylor, Linsley). The team needs to look at the yearly salary and age, and draft to replace. Drafting 6 OL in two years allowed them to move on from all-pro Linsley. Packers don't have a replacement for Adams now, and need to plan for his departure in a year.
Stroh
June 27, 2021 at 01:33 am
Jamal Williams didn't have a choice in the matter. The Packers were committed to Jones and Dillon. I don't doubt he would have preferred to stay in GB. But that wasn't his choice to make.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 26, 2021 at 09:21 am
I agree Tarns!
I have read Adam's quotes and he is being pretty sly IMO. Obviously, he is trying to help leverage for Rodger's a bit. He also is going to say all the right things now because he still has to play this year for the Packers. Just my feelings but I believe 100% if Rodgers is gone the words out of Adam's mouth next year will be entirely different.
Why if Rodger's is traded I hope Adams is part of the package.
Swisch
June 25, 2021 at 01:19 pm
It's a tough call with Davante.
I really like the idea of keeping our guys throughout their careers. It would seem to be good for player morale to know that the organization takes care of its own. Also, the continuity is good for team performance. I like it as a fan because these guys are persons as well as players, and I want them to stay if at all possible.
Still, $25 million per season for one guy is ginormous, even $20 million -- and especially on a third contract. I suppose it matters how the contract is structured, and if the player understands he may not be kept for the final years of the deal. Perhaps Davante gets one season at highest-paid money as an appreciation of his excellence, then his salary decreases in the following seasons as he gets older (perhaps with incentives).
***
One other thing that seems huge: It's a concern to have so many receptions going to one guy, especially season after season. It's good to have superstars, perhaps even necessary for a championship, but there's a delicate balance if one player crowds out too many of the others. The other guys would get discouraged, and the offense may not be able to adjust in the playoffs if our top receiver is largely taken away by extra coverage.
I get concerned about this with the Bucks and Giannis. I definitely want him as our main guy, but that can be way overdone. In the NBA playoffs, when the defenses build an extra strong wall in the middle against Giannis, is he able to adjust with the appropriate passes, or perhaps going around the wall to post up near the basket? Is he good with scoring 20 points instead of 30 to put the team over the top.
In the case of Davante, just his presence is going to open up other receivers, especially as they gain experience with the help of his tutelage. Is he okay with 80 catches in a season, or even 60? Will he appreciate that his value to the team may be more with less receptions?
These are delicate matters. We want some superstars on the Packers who are go-to guys. Yet, they have to be willing to be decoys at times, as humbling as that may be, possibly even at the end of games for the biggest of plays.
In other words, we don't want total equality of targets for our receivers, but we want a healthy diversification. Whether it's salary or statistics, we want to reward the best with more, but still have a thriving middle class -- if I may put it that way.
In just about any group, we all need each other, and do well for ourselves to look out for everyone. That builds strong societies, and winning teams, with happy people.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 26, 2021 at 09:24 am
Well said Swisch! Cant believe you got down votes.
jurp
June 26, 2021 at 05:22 pm
Yep, you're right.
Adams & Rodgers = Sharpe & Favre.
jhtobias
June 25, 2021 at 02:51 pm
When it comes down to it Rodgers is not paying Davante's Bills. If the packers make a fair market value offer why wouldn't he want to stay.
People believing Rodgers has any influence over these guys singing extentions is silly and we have many examples. David Bak, Kenny Clark, Aaron Jones, and others.
Rodgers will do what he wants to do and he has every right to do that, but so do the Packers .. if he is gone which I believe fine . I just wish Lafleur and others would get behind love 100 percent events they think he sucks because he is 2021 .
stockholder
June 25, 2021 at 04:14 pm
If Rodger's wants out. He should opt out. It might be bitter sweet. But this FO must pay the price. There is No way around this. All deals are off. Rodgers must take the easy way out.
Coldworld
June 25, 2021 at 05:32 pm
It’s rather like not turning up in its effect on the cap. Just does away with his options, the need to fine and prevents a year running off his contract. Most of the cap savings, if unspent, can be carried forward to next season. If he’s not going to play and there isn't a trade in the offing, the FO may actually prefer this to a hold out. Obviously no one is going to believe it’s Covid, but no telling how that will go down.
stockholder
June 25, 2021 at 05:45 pm
Egg on their face. He's going to get paid not to play. Just like a injury.
Coldworld
June 25, 2021 at 06:24 pm
Not really, he’s largely not paid if he opts out and he has cleanly taken himself out of the picture till the season is over.
stockholder
June 25, 2021 at 06:47 pm
Thats not what I'm seeing on other sites. He keeps the bonus. And has checks coming.=aprox. 18.5mil. of the totals. Why hold out and get fined? Or have a forced retirement. The Packers will still be on the hook for retirement. Reynaldo should do a piece on this.
Stroh
June 27, 2021 at 02:12 am
He keeps the bonus but the Packers still hold his rights for another 3 yrs. He doesn't accrue a season and his contract doesn't age.
If he opts out, Rodgers immediately makes himself public enemy #1. Since he is forcing his way out! For a guy as concerned about his legacy, which Rodgers absolutely is, forcing his way our is a huge deal.
I'm firmly of the opinion Rodgers will be playing for the Packers this season. This IMO, is simple business posturing on both sides, but in the end both need one another. There aren't really any teams better for Rodgers to contend for a SB.
The only other issue is what happens beyond '21.
Oppy
June 25, 2021 at 06:25 pm
Strange, I feel like Rodgers is the guy who ultimately needs to pay a price, because he's a douche bag.
SwedeBayPacker
June 25, 2021 at 05:52 pm
No word yet on what Aaron Jones thinks, after accepting a pay cut to have a shot at the SB with Rodgers.
egbertsouse
June 25, 2021 at 06:17 pm
In what universe did Aaron Jones take a pay cut?
SwedeBayPacker
June 26, 2021 at 10:38 am
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/14/aaron-jones-anticipated...
My point was he remained in GB despite probably making more money in FA.
TarynsEyes
June 26, 2021 at 12:47 pm
The reason he resigned with GB was the money he and his agent thought to be offered never became a reality. The offer GB made was the best he got and so he came back. If more was offered, Jones was gone. Stop making it look or sound as if he would only sign with the Packers. $years and $28 million and if more was offered, BYE, BYE, BYE.
egbertsouse
June 25, 2021 at 06:21 pm
Too much money, let him walk. Draft a receiver in rounds 1 or 2. If Murphy gets off his butt and trades Rodgers, he can use those draft choices.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 26, 2021 at 09:29 am
Big thumbs up!
Bure9620
June 25, 2021 at 07:28 pm
I doubt Rodgers opts out next Friday...If anything this would help the FO, which I think Rodgers would much rather see them Squirm. I for one would be quite surprised to see him opt out.
stockholder
June 26, 2021 at 06:28 am
He's offended.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 26, 2021 at 09:30 am
He is offended but also wants the attention and stats. He wont opt out! He will be playing somewhere this year.
ImaPayne
June 25, 2021 at 08:04 pm
Hell Adams should just make plans to bail. Its not like there arent other qb's who can get the ball to him, and teams wiling to fill his bank vault with real money, and other teams on the verge of a super bowl that would love him. With or without Rodgers, the time is now for Adams to make the money.
Really what do you want him to say? Of course its a no brainer rodgers figures big on him staying in green bay. He does have an agent looking for the best deal too chirping in his ear telling him to hold off right now.