Cory's Corner: Davante Adams Just Makes Too Much Sense
The Packers need a veteran receiver and it just so happens that a former Packer is still really good.
It just makes too much sense.
I realize that Davante Adams is 32 and is clearly on the back nine of his career as a prolific wideout in the NFL.
But Adams also notched his third straight 1,000-yard receiving season last year after playing for the dreadful Raiders and Jets. He had 141 targets — that’s more than Jayden Reed and Christian Watson combined last season, which happened to be 128. And that’s amazing in itself, because Adams missed three games.
Adams can still play. He had 25 red zone targets last year with 12 receptions, which ranked No. 3 in the league. He is still an amazing route runner that just knows how to get open.
If I had to choose between Adams and the speculation surrounding a trade with Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf, the obvious answer is Adams. The Packers wouldn’t have to part with anything because Adams is a free agent and is just flat-out better. Most importantly, Adams won’t give you the sideline craziness when he doesn’t get the ball.
If the Packers dip their toe into the Metcalf sweepstakes, it’s going to cost them a second rounder, a fourth rounder and either Dontayvion Wicks or Romeo Doubs. Plus, Metcalf is going to expect nearly $30 million a year, which is a steep price to pay for a wideout that was 40th in yards after the catch last year. (Adams was 14th.)
The whole point of making this move is to add a veteran leader that will help close out games and rack up some wins in January.
“I’m the most coachable guy out here, so if it’s something, anything you see in a route that I run, whatever it is, I want to make sure you let me know,” Adams said back in 2019 as a member of the Packers. “Because I want to perfect it as much as possible.”
Adams knows Packers coach Matt LaFleur and he understands what he’s trying to do on offense. He also knows that he could very well be the No. 1 receiver on a team that is filled with plenty of promise but too much inconsistency.
And that’s why Adams belongs in a Packers uniform. It’s not because he would look great again in the old No. 17 as he jumps in the stands. It’s because he has a chance to elevate this team and make it great. He doesn’t mind run blocking and even though he has a Taco Bell in his house, he still has one of the quickest first steps I’ve ever seen. And with two more 1,000-yard seasons, he will be top 13 in career receiving yards and a surefire lock for the Hall of Fame.
The Packers have to look themselves in the mirror and be honest. How many more hits to the head can Doubs take? What is the long-term health of Watson? Can Wicks quickly forget that he had alligator arms last year with nine drops?
Either way, the wide receiver room needs a veteran and adding a guy that just wants to win, makes so much sense.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (56)
Coldworld
March 08, 2025 at 06:39 am
Adams is still good, but he’s not going to solve our biggest problem, the loss of Watson. He’d essentially be an upgrade at the Doubs position for a season or two. To me the first priority has to be a credible field stretching option. Adams would therefore have to be only part of any solution and his contract reflect that reality. I also think he’d need to be accepting of the fact that he won’t be 70% of the offense if bringing him back is to work.
TKWorldWide
March 08, 2025 at 07:09 am
Beat me to it. Sure, he could mentor the young receivers, but he is not the deep threat that creates openings for the other receivers.
In a broader sense, I’m also doubtful about the whole “number one receiver” issue. Sure, a consistent threat is nice, but not when the QB forces the ball to him while ignoring other guys who are WIDE OPEN.
justjan
March 09, 2025 at 09:37 am
Just because Rodgers did this does not mean Love would.
Guam
March 08, 2025 at 07:49 am
I don't think the solution to Watson's absence is going to come from a veteran WR. Metcalf is too expensive, Adams is not a field stretcher and is expensive, Higgins isn't available, etc. etc. It is sounding more and more like a replacement can come only from the draft. Egbuka will cost a #1, but he has the speed and the talent to more than replace Watson. Maybe Leatherhead has been right all along.....:)
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2025 at 02:51 pm
Watson's absence isn't the biggest problem at WR. It's that they lack a dependable go to guy in critical situations and had too many unforced errors (see: 3rd highest drop rate in league). Adams, with his separation and hands, fixes that, if only for a season or two.
Guam
March 08, 2025 at 05:09 pm
Adams will fix the drop problem, but does not open up the field for the other receivers. He does not stretch the field vertically and create space. Watson alleviated the field compression problem, Adams won't.
I get that fixing the drop problem will help the Packer offense. However without a deep threat, defenses can play a single high safety and either put numbers in the box versus the run or clog the midzone passing attack with an extra DB. No deep threat puts pressure on other parts of the offense.
And signing an MVS or drafting a late round college speedster means nothing unless they are on the field. Signing Adams and a speedster means displacing two of the Packer starting WRs to get the fast guy on the field. Defenses won't respect or double team a fast guy with bad hands like MVS (why do you think no team keeps him long term?). A much better answer is getting one guy who is a good WR and has speed in one package.
Bitternotsour
March 08, 2025 at 07:17 pm
You mean a guy like say DK Metcalf. A physical specimen with outstanding speed and an insane catch radius?
Guam
March 08, 2025 at 10:35 pm
Or drafting Egbuka or someone like him, I am not competent about college WRs so there may well be more than Egbuka but he certainly fits the bill. Metcalf would do too but he is so damn expensive.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 08, 2025 at 11:24 pm
While #80 draws no double teams and has a small catch radius, opposing defenses still have to send their fastest guy after him, in the hopes that they might be able to keep him from getting wide open. Depth on the roster is supposed to fill in when a starter's hurt. I'd like to see Bo Melton in as a substitute for #9 anytime he's not on the field, with the exception of a play designed to function without him. If nothing else it keeps JL10 tuned in to that speed.
I still think Gutey should draft at least 1 WR, I wouldn't be opposed to that being the first round pick, and maybe even sign a FA there too.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 08, 2025 at 11:09 pm
#85, 8 both fit that description.
Both way underutilized.
LLCHESTY
March 08, 2025 at 09:27 am
Yes but he'd instantly be a #1 WR which is something they don't have. Signing Adams and drafting Jalen Royals would be the way to go.
dobber
March 08, 2025 at 01:15 pm
"Adams is still good, but he’s not going to solve our biggest problem, the loss of Watson. "
...and I think this is the biggest issue.
You're going to have to feed 17 the ball or he's not worth it. It doesn't change the lack of downfield threat in the offense, and it doesn't keep defenses honest and open room for Jacobs. The offense would need to evolve significantly. Maybe they fix the downfield thing through the draft, then, but who are you pushing off the field to generate snaps for a "go deep" rookie with limited impact otherwise?
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2025 at 02:49 pm
I disagree that our #1 problem at WR is lacking a deep threat. That can easily be addressed by signing MVS for a year or drafting a deep threat WR on day 3 like Isaac TeSlaa of Arkansas.
The biggest WR problems are that (1) the Packers lack a dependable go-to guy in critical situations (2 minute, red zone), (2) there were too many unforced errors (miscommunications, 3rd-highest drop rate, etc.), and (3) no one on their roster currently can consistently beat man coverage. Adams, with his separation skills and hands, could be that guy. He doesn't have to be 70 pct. of the offense - the Packers don't lack quantity. We lack quality.
Llew
March 08, 2025 at 11:46 pm
Adams does what Watson does, but in a different way....He forces the double-team. Forcing the double-team opens things up for the rest of the offence...even if its not necessarily by stretching the field.
stockholder
March 08, 2025 at 06:56 am
Why Not!
If the packers are to take the next step.
Sign him!
But get Metcalf too. For a 3rd!
We have the money.
And that 3rd pick is a curse to Gute
Isn't it time to see if Love is a MVP.
.
TKWorldWide
March 08, 2025 at 07:10 am
Tucker Kraft and Sean Rhyan called.
stockholder
March 08, 2025 at 07:14 am
Rhyan still isn't the answer at RG.
And Kraft doesn't change 6 + years of mistakes.
TKWorldWide
March 08, 2025 at 07:33 am
So they trade a 3rd because “they always miss on 3rds”? That is utter nonsense.
(Not to be confused with ‘Udder Nonsense’, which is an alt rock band composed entirely of dairy farmers. Their tunes are 🔥!)
stockholder
March 08, 2025 at 07:45 am
The Seahawks are asking for a #1 And #3.
His contract is the problem,
And the Seahawks know it.
I suggested the #3.
And more than likely a player.
Alexander?
jannesbjornson
March 08, 2025 at 10:15 am
Offer a Two pick from 2026 and call it good. He's no savior and his hands disappear in clutch time. Maybe Burden falls to #23, but, he instead bags another big body to play out of position. I still like Restrepo in rd Two on a move up, or Ayomanor who profiles the same a s Egbuka.
Bech shows he has Jordy moves and the same 4.5 speed. Get Football Players, not track meet showboats.
stockholder
March 08, 2025 at 11:19 am
Will Johnson. CB. U/m is going to fall.
And that is where Gute will go - CB
jannesbjornson
March 08, 2025 at 11:25 am
The CB should be Byron Murphy in free agency. Jaire should stay to build a champion secondary, but this guy will stick with scrubs and settle for one and done.
Packers0808
March 08, 2025 at 08:14 am
My only concern would he again become the focal point for Love that he was for Rodgers?
mrtundra
March 08, 2025 at 08:23 am
I'd say no to that. Love has a rapport with the other GB WRs, TEs. He knows what they offer. Adams would not detract from that chemistry. He'd augment it.
NickPerry
March 08, 2025 at 10:51 am
The problem with that is the Packers WR's currently on the roster don't/can't beat man coverage consistently. Adams still has an awesome release and can beat man.
Gutey HAS to resolve that issue. Actually Gutey needs to add to that room regardless. I haven't got a lot of faith after watching those WRs the second half of last season. ESPECIALLY Reed.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 08, 2025 at 11:28 pm
What's the deal with #11? He was always open in early '23.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2025 at 02:52 pm
No. Adams isn't what he once was. But he can still provide an element of dependability, reliability, and consistency that the WRs lacked last year
pantz_bURp
March 08, 2025 at 08:47 am
Sorry Cory, the title should read, "Davante Adams Just Makes Too Much Centz"
Love and admiration,
Pantz
Since'61
March 08, 2025 at 09:30 am
I would bring Adams back for the right price. He still has great footwork off the LOS plus he would have the best hands on the team. He could provide valuable leadership to the WR room and be a mentor to a young receiving group which will be starting the season without Watson and possibly without Doubs. yes the packers will still need a deep threat but we can address that in the draft.
I would at least make an offer to Adams. If it is not acceptable to him than the Packers can just move on. Thanks, Since '61
Alberta_Packer
March 08, 2025 at 12:07 pm
What would be the right price for you? For me - Adams @ 10M/ yr. X 2 - makes sense. Anything more - not.
Since'61
March 08, 2025 at 01:54 pm
That's exactly what I was thinking. $10M per year for 2 years. If he wants more than that the Packers move on. It doesn't cost anything to make the offer and have the conversation.
With Adams on the field the defense is likely to double cover him. This will leave an RB (Jacobs) or a TE (Kraft) one on one with an LB. Those are match ups that the Packers should win every time. Thanks, Since '61
BruceC1960
March 08, 2025 at 09:36 am
Getting 17 back would sure help our red zone offense.
bjkdad44
March 09, 2025 at 08:33 pm
Like it did for Rodgers in the playoffs????
Leatherhead
March 08, 2025 at 09:38 am
For far less...a fraction....of what it would take to bring in a FA WR for ONE year, we could draft one of the very best WRs in this draft and have him for FOUR years .
Rather than using a strategy of 3 maybes, I'd get THAT guy. Reed, Doubs, and Wicks would be an adequate complementary crew for a year IF we had that one, lead dog. This needs to be a guy who not only has the physical skills, but also the maturity and mindset to be the lead dog. The Packers don't get a shot at a guy like this very often. We've only drafted 3 WRs in the first round in 50 years....two of them became HOFers. We have a clear need to improve the offense. We have a clear need to replace Watson's 555 snaps and 660 yards.
Adams didn't make the difference for us in his prime, he didn't make the difference for the Raiduhs, he didn't make the difference for the Jets. And we'd rather have him for one year instead of a guy like Egbuka for four???
That makes little sense to me.
HarryHodag
March 08, 2025 at 10:12 am
Leather--
We're in the minority here but I wouldn't bring him back under any circumstances. Apparently the fans forget he basically told the Packers to stick it and demanded a trade.
He can catch it but he might not be the right 'fit'.
LeotisHarris
March 08, 2025 at 10:56 am
I'm with you, harry. The culture piece of this is as important as the history. Good player? Yes. Difference-maker? Nope, not then, not now. He moved on, so did the Packers.
We all find comfort in familiarity, but nostalgia distorts reality.
LambeauPlain
March 08, 2025 at 11:05 am
I don't recall when Adams told Packers to "stick it" due to unhappiness with the front office. I recall it was more a tale of two QBs. I don't believe he departed the Packers with any animosity toward them or vice versa. Just a business decision.
Adams wanted to win a SB and had no trust in Rodgers future...even his short term future. His very good friend and college QB Derek Carr seemed to be his LT potential SB QB. The Raiders were an attractive option for the West Coast resident.
Gutey made it known he wanted Adams. He franchise tagged him, not to force Adams into a one year deal (Adams had already said he would not play under the tag), but to gain more time to get a longer term deal done.
The Raiders made a very attractive offer to the Pack. Before accepting it, Gutey made an even slightly higher offer to Adams. But playing with Carr on the WC for a possible SB was more attractive.
Adams was right about Rodgers...wrong about Carr.
I don't view Adams as prima donna, ill fit at all. He has always been a hard working teammate and leader. And has been consistently productive and available. He would be a good fit on any team for 2025.
However, I also don't see him a Packer next season. Primarily due to his market value as a FA. (And he has also had issues with drops himself the last two season)
HarryHodag
March 08, 2025 at 11:10 am
Remember, DA could have stayed with the Packers. The team wanted him and he wanted out, period. That's not telling the Packers to 'stick it'?
Nostalgia does not win championships.
LambeauPlain
March 08, 2025 at 11:36 am
No.
I never heard any of the "stick it" talk from Adams that seems to be your opinion. He was professional throughout.
The Raiders/Carr opportunity was more attractive to him than the Packers/escalating Rodgers' drama. Nothing more complicated than that.
And I do not believe he will be a Packer in 2025... due to his price tag.
What did nostalgia have to do with my comment???
PackerBackerAZ
March 08, 2025 at 02:47 pm
Along with nostalgia, neither Gutekunst or LaFleur win championships. Adams can be the missing security blanket for Love that will keep the chains moving.
If it's championships you want, then Gutekunst needs to draft players with controlled aggression and a will to dominate the other team, along with a high ras. Talent, without the brain to play within an NFL scheme or the controlled violence to dominate the opponent, isn't getting the job done. I'm looking at Gary, Van Ness and Wyatt for lack of aggressive controlled violence. I'm looking at Q. Walker for not having the brain to play effectively within an NFL scheme. All four are first round picks by Gutekunst.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2025 at 02:55 pm
Not to mention, that offseason, the Raiders were coming off a playoff appearance where they nearly beat CIN the year they went to the super bowl.
Packerpasty
March 08, 2025 at 06:55 pm
well he didnt have much faith in Love being the QB1 when AR left so is he sold on Love now?? At this stage of his career does he want to come back here when he said his family wanted to go back home to the west coast?? Just draft a WR or two and coach them up....
stockholder
March 08, 2025 at 11:02 am
Your point is justified.
But we have money now.
Egbuka isn't going to set the NFL on fire.
Rookies very seldom do.
I'm giving into the thinking of upgrading another
position.
A mentor.
And finding a guy later in the draft.
jannesbjornson
March 08, 2025 at 11:32 am
Chase...Brian Thomas...Jefferson...Lamb..Mike Evans....Bowers...McConkey...Puka Nacua...the world is changing outside of the roundabout on "Packer Way" Drive.
Alberta_Packer
March 08, 2025 at 11:53 am
Adams first wanted to leave the Packers because he thought that he was being disrespected with a low-ball contract offer. So now he's going to return for sentimental reasons? Adams doesn't strike me as a sentimental guy. Rather - transactional (which is the dominant relationship style in the NFL). Therefore, I highly doubt that Gutekunst will enter into any bidding war for Adams. Besides, is Adams the best alternative given the limited cap space? I think that signing a free agent DE/Edge +/ CB are better use of available monies.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2025 at 02:57 pm
I don't see signing Adams as a sentimental move - I see it as the best solution to the Packers' WR problems (can't beat man, too many drops/unforced errors, undependable in critical situations like red zone/2 min).
Even if Adams wasn't willing to take a discount, I would still enter a bidding war/sign him if I were Gute.
Alberta_Packer
March 08, 2025 at 06:35 pm
The sentimentalists have opined that Adams may return to GB because of his familarity and comfort with the organization. The reality is that Adams exited GB because of "the money". Conversely - he will not return to GB because of "the money." Anything else is superfluous.
Packerpasty
March 08, 2025 at 06:57 pm
why in the hell would a player like Adams take a discount????? Why? To play with Love?? come on man..
cdoemel
March 08, 2025 at 06:13 pm
No! Where’d you read that? Ed Wood? He left to be closer to home and play with Carr. Stop just making shit up!
Alberta_Packer
March 08, 2025 at 06:39 pm
I see that you are as much satisfied with your opinion - as much as I am confident in my knowledge.
davekenya
March 08, 2025 at 03:46 pm
I'd rather see Gutey land one of Kendrick or Hollywood as either could be gotten for <10M/yr and either extends the field more than Adams would. This would give the other WRs room to maneuver whereas with Adams that would not be the case.
That would also allow Gutey to take a swing at either J. Allen or J. Sweat at DT -- which would not only improve the disruption at interior of DL, but by association make either Gary and/or Van Ness look better at DE.
cdoemel
March 08, 2025 at 06:04 pm
This MVS chatter is hilarious!! People on this site were screaming to cut him not so long ago. Haha. This pace cracks me up ngl
Packerpasty
March 08, 2025 at 06:55 pm
MVS...just stop with that idea people...
GregC
March 08, 2025 at 08:09 pm
He hasn't played for the Packers since 2021.
bjkdad44
March 09, 2025 at 08:26 pm
Devante signed… by the rams!
bjkdad44
March 09, 2025 at 08:30 pm
Stockholder… what exactly do you mean by +6 years of mistakes??? Please explain!