The Green Bay Packers were able to avoid Davante Adams hitting the open market by placing the franchise tag on him. Turns out, Adams doesn't want to play on the tag.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Adams informed the Packers he won't play on the franchise tag this season and is seeking a long-term deal to remain with the team. Both sides are far apart on negotiations and it's unclear if it will be resolved this week (when the legal tampering period and free agency starts).
Adams would make $20.145 million on the tag this season, which would make him the third-highest paid wide receiver in the league. In terms of average annual value. DeAndre Hopkins makes the most money per season for a wide receiver at $27.25 million and Julio Jones is second at $22 million.
If the Packers can't make a long-term deal with Adams, they'll have a huge decision to make as they can't afford to have Adams sit out the 2022 season due to his massive cap hit (there's no dead money tied to Adams' deal). There's also the Aaron Rodgers contract that hasn't been finalized yet (Rodgers reportedly agreed to a deal worth $50 million per year annually, but the quarterback has denied he's agreed to a deal).
Adams had 123 catches for 1,553 yards in 2021, the most in any season in Packers history. He also finished with 11 touchdowns, including six in the final five games of the regular season. Adams is only the sixth player in NFL history to record 120 catches, 1,500 yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns in a season.
Adams is one of only three players in NFL history to register 650 receptions, 8,000 receiving yards and 70 touchdown catches in his first eight seasons in the NFL (Marvin Harrison and Larry Fitzgerald). He leads the NFL in receptions (581), receiving touchdowns (69), and is second in the league in receiving yards (7,192) over that span. His 69 receiving touchdowns since 2016 are the most by an NFL player over a six-year span since Randy Moss had 71 touchdowns from 2004 to 2009.
There's little argument Adams deserves a long-term deal. Will it be from the Packers or another team?
