Packers to franchise tag Davante Adams with Aaron Rodgers back

With Aaron Rodgers reportedly committing to a Green Bay Packers return, it now looks like his favorite target will also be back.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers are expected to place the franchise tag on Davante Adams.

This is perhaps the least surprising bit of news of the day, as the Packers likely would’ve used the franchise tag on Adams regardless of Rodgers’ future with the team.

The deadline to use the franchise tag is today.

There is no bigger commitment the Packers could make to going all-in for 2022 than signing Rodgers to an extension and also re-signing Adams.

Using the franchise tag is important. Had Adams hit free agency, other teams likely could’ve offered far more money and the Packers would’ve risked losing him. In that scenario, the best Green Bay could get in return is a 2023 third-round compensatory draft pick.

Even if the Packers decide to tag Adams then trade him, they would get far more back in a potential deal. However, with Rodgers returning, we can likely forget about any possibility of the Packers trading Adams.

In the past two seasons, Adams has set a number of Packers franchise records and continues to show why he’s one of the best wide receivers in franchise history. Since the start of 2020, Adams has made 238 receptions for 2,927 yards and 29 touchdowns. Simply incredible numbers, and it’s easy to see why Green Bay wasn’t willing to let him leave.

Working out a long-term deal will now become the top priority. Doing so will ensure Adams is under contract for multiple years, and in the short term will allow Green Bay to lower his cap hit from the approximately $20 million that tagging him will require.

This is just the start of what should be a fascinating offseason for this team. Getting Rodgers and Adams back will be huge, but how will GM Brian Gutekunst go about strengthening the roster?