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Packers 2022 free agency predictions: Who re-signs, who walks?

By Triston Behrend

Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur, Davante Adams - Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Packvsbrowns 1225211400djp
Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur, Davante Adams - Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Packvsbrowns 1225211400djp /
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Green Bay Packers, Davante Adams
Green Bay Packers, Davante Adams (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

WR Davante Adams

Adams is the best receiver on the Packers, and it’s not very close. He had 123 receptions (most on the team by 71), 1,553 receiving yards (most on the team by 1,040), and 11 receiving touchdowns (most on the team by three).

In a week eight matchup against the Cardinals, which Adams missed due to COVID-19 protocols, the Packers scored only 24 points, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for only 184 yards, with a passer rating of just 90.4.

Comparatively, the Packers averaged 26.5 points per game this season, and Rodgers averaged 263.3 yards per game with a 111.9 passer rating. It’s clear that Adams is an integral piece of the Packers offense, even if Green Bay has somehow managed to go 7-0 without him since 2019, per StatMuse.

Many thought that the star receiver would reach an extension with the Packers last offseason. The two parties differed, however, in what their view of highest-paid receiver was.

Per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Adams thought that DeAndre Hopkins’ two-year, $54.5 million extension with the Arizona Cardinals, an AAV of $27.25 million, was the NFL’s biggest receiver contract.

The Packers, however, thought that the other three additional years on Hopkins’ contract before the extension kicks in should count towards the AAV, bringing the AAV down to around $20 million. Talks between the pair stalled just before training camp, and never really continued.

Considering how quickly talks of an extension dwindled last offseason, I would be surprised to see Adams and the Packers reach a long-term agreement this offseason. However, Adams is too valuable to let walk for nothing, so it’s likely that the Packers will franchise tag him for a projected $18.5 million, per Spotrac.

If Aaron Rodgers is still the team’s quarterback next season, Adams will be his most valuable weapon, helping him to continue to compete for championships. If Rodgers leaves and Jordan Love takes over, Adams will either help make life easier for the young quarterback, or demand a trade.

If he demands a trade, the Packers should be able to get a solid return for him, even if he’s only on a one-year contract.

Rodgers stays: Franchise tag

Rodgers leaves: Franchise tag

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