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Signing Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante
Adams to a contract extension is reportedly a “priority” for the
Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2021 NFL season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday
on SportsCenter that Adams, who’s entering the final season of a
four-year, $58 million contract, is expected to get a “massive” new deal:
“Davante Adams and the Packers are
expected to try to come to an agreement on a massive contract
extension. He will likely be the highest-paid receiver in the league
at some point. Most evaluators I talk to believe he is the very best
at that position right now. So, he’s a priority for the Packers,
whether Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback or Jordan Love. The problem
is Rodgers’ contract has been an albatross for that team, it’s
hindered them from doing some other contracts and things they want to
do with the team-building standpoint. So, they’ve got to shake that
out first. They’re willing to give Rodgers probably whatever he wants
right now.”
Most of the focus around the Packers
throughout the offseason has surrounded Rodgers’ future. ESPN’s Adam
Schefter reported in April the quarterback “told some within the
organization that he does not want to return to the team,” and
there’s been a steady steam of reports about his unhappiness ever
since.
Yet, trying to retain Adams is also a
crucial element for Green Bay, especially if the organization
ultimately goes through a high-profile QB change from Rodgers to
Love.
The 28-year-old Fresno State product
has earned four straight Pro Bowl selections dating back to 2017, and
he was named a First Team All-Pro last year. He recorded 115 catches
for 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns across 14 appearances in 2020.
Last week, Adams told Bleacher Report’s
Graham Matthews he planned to play for the Packers this year
regardless of the surrounding circumstances, including his need for a new contract, but he admitted the quarterback situation
could play a role in his future plans.
“I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Adams said. “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.”
The California native added he’s
hopeful Rodgers stays with the Packers.
“Honestly, I’m not a gambling man, so
it’s tough to say what the chances are on that, but we’re all just
praying that he comes back,” Adams told B/R. “That’s my guy. His
locker is always going to be there. I don’t see him leaving, and I
pray that he doesn’t. We’re all just going to stay in good spirits
and just let the chips fall where they may.”
Few things are more important in a
young quarterback’s development than having a true No. 1 receiver
available. So whenever the transition from Rodgers to Love takes
place, whether it’s in the coming months or a year or two down the
road, Adams’ presence will be key.
As for the standout receiver’s
potential contract, he’ll likely set the new standard for total value
in a deal at the position. The current mark is held by the Dallas
Cowboys’ Amari Cooper at $100 million over five years followed by the
New Orleans Saints’ Michael Thomas at $96.3 million over five years,
according to Spotrac.
Adams, who’s arguably the NFL’s best
route-runner, has a skill set that should age well and allow him to
remain productive into his mid-30s, which lessens the risk associated
with a potential long-term extension.