Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams had the franchise tag placed on him last week. For the Pro Bowler, it was not an ideal scenario.
That’s been magnified recently with reports that Adams has informed the Packers he has no intention of playing under said tag.
With the two sides far apart when it comes to contract terms, there’s now a good chance that Davante Adams will be part of a sign-and-trade with another team.
It’s an interesting scenario to look at given that Aaron Rodgers has opted to remain with the Packers. They seemed to be a packaged deal. In any event, here’s a look at four ideal Adams’ sign-and-trade scenarios for the offseason.
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Baltimore Ravens add a top weapon for Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t done enough to help Lamar Jackson. If they want him to return to MVP-caliber form, he needs a star receiver. Making a huge move to land one is also the kind of decision that shows an organization is committed to its quarterback in contract negotiations.
We know this front office isn’t afraid of big trades. They’ve also spent first-round picks on receivers who can’t provide remotely the same impact as Adams. With the cap flexibility to make something happen, this spring would be the perfect moment for Baltimore to strike.
- Davante Adams stats: 123 receptions, 1,553 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, 84 first downs, 97.1 yards per game
Jackson certainly boasts the arm strength and touch to hit Adams deep. But acquiring the best wide receiver in the NFL is about so much more. When Baltimore faced Adams, it bracketed him with tight double coverage. If teams do that with Adams in a Ravens’ uniform, Marquise Brown torches them deep. The Adams-Brown pairing with Mark Andrew at tight end would be an excellent trio of weapons for Jackson.
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New York Jets make a splash
So many things went wrong for the New York Jets’ offense in 2021. Zach Wilson didn’t show many signs of being a franchise-caliber quarterback, but the surrounding factors around him didn’t help. The Jets can start changing that by drafting a top offensive tackle at No. 4 overall, but Wilson also needs a top pass-catcher.
- New York Jets receive: Davante Adams, 28th overall pick, 60th overall pick
- Green Bay Packers receive: 10th overall pick, 35th overall pick
A deal like this would be a bit unconventional. New York wants to trade down from the 10th pick, focused on acquiring more draft capital. In this scenario, New York slides down to the 28th pick and also moves down in the second round. But they get an All-Pro receiver in the prime of his career.
It would be costly, but it still puts New York in a great position to build around Wilson. The Jets can grab offensive tackle Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu with their top first-round selection. At the end of Round 1, New York could snag a cornerback like Roger McCreary. Two positional needs filled and an elite weapon added, that’s an ideal outcome.
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Las Vegas Raiders team Davante Adams up with Derek Carr
Recent reports indicate that the Raiders are expected to pursue a sign-and-trade for Adams. The idea would be team him up with his former college teammate at Fresno State, quarterback Derek Carr.
This makes sense for a ton of reasons. New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels would love to add someone of Adams’ ilk to an offense that legitimately lacks a No. 1 wide receiver. The tragedy surrounding Henry Ruggs and his ensuing release has created a major hole.
- Las Vegas Raiders receive: Davante Adams
- Green Bay Packers receive: 22nd overall pick, 2022 second-round pick
For Green Bay, being able to acquire two high-round picks would be seen as a boon. If Adams makes it clear he’s not going to play under the tag, the value the Packers receive will be much below market.
Philadelphia Eagles pull off blockbuster for Davante Adams
Philadelphia has already made a splash during NFL free agency, adding an elite-level pass rusher to the mix. Bosting three first-round picks in the coming draft, general manager Howie Roseman has a ton of avenues to improve the Eagles’ roster.
- Philadelphia Eagles receive: Davante Adams
- Green Bay Packers receiver: Jalen Reagor, 15th pick
Imagine Adams pairing up with stud young wide receiver DaVonta Smith for young quarterback Jalen Hurts. That would be all sorts of sexy. In return, the Packers nab a former first-round pick in Reagor and a selection in the top half of the first round. It’s a win-win.