Contract Talks: Why the Packers must pay Davante Adams

Why the Green Bay Packers must pay Davante Adams.

Contract negotiations are arguably some of the most confusing types of discussions that take place in sports and in any other occupation. They are confusing because both sides have their own angles and reasons for why they have a certain number in their head of what that respective person or player is worth.

In the case of Davante Adams, he is worth a whole lot. That is why this particular negotiation is so difficult. The Green Bay Packers still sit at $29.8 million over the cap, according to Spotrac.

They need to create more room in order to do a couple of things. First, give Davante Adams his money. Second, re-sign other key pieces that are free agents (All-Pro LB De’Vondre Campbell, standout CB Rasul Douglas, WRs Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling).

The Packers also need money to pay future draft picks. Oh, don’t forget Mr. Rodgers deserves a raise after his second straight MVP season and fourth overall. So, a lot is going into these negotiations, especially for the Packers’ front office.

However, this is still Davante Adams. His day is here. It’s time for him to get his payday.

If the Packers’ front office is having a hard time relinquishing money to the former Fresno State Bulldog, it might be helpful for them and the rest of us to take a refresher course on why Adams deserves to be paid like the best in the game.

In the last five seasons, Adams has made five consecutive Pro Bowls with his last two seasons resulting in a first-team All-Pro nod. He also set the Green Bay Packers’ single-season franchise record for receptions in a season with 123 in 2021 and tied Sterling Sharpe’s single-season touchdown receptions record with 18 in 2020, which also led the league.

Aside from statistics, Adams’ footwork is the best at the receiver position in the NFL. It is what separates him from the rest of the league. Think about an Allen Iverson crossover. That’s what he is capable of before even running a route.

He does not drop passes. He and Aaron Rodgers have proven to be the best QB-WR duo in the game for years. They are currently the most prolific QB-WR combo in Packers history with 69 touchdowns together. He has mastered the Jordy Nelson back-shoulder catch. He can run every route. He does everything at the highest level at his position.

No. 17 has played only for the Green Bay Packers in his eight-year career. He has proven, especially this last half-decade, that he has a very compelling case to be called the best receiver in Packers history.

He deserves to be paid like it. Plain and simple.

It’s understandable that the Packers are in a tough spot with the salary cap. GM Brian Gutekunst has noted that the contract situations between Rodgers and Adams are different. Make no mistake, these guys are a package deal. They are the best duo in football.

Davante Adams is a team guy. He understands the position that the Packers are in. They drafted him. They stuck with him after a slow start to his career. He appreciates everything they have done for him.

At the same time, they need to pay up right now. Every front office can find ways to create more cap space and find common ground with a player in need of a big contract. Through extensions, cuts, restructures, etc. with other players, the Packers’ front office can find a way to make this happen without a doubt. They must.

If they do not and choose to let Adams walk, it could be the worst mistake in franchise history.