Now that Aaron Rodgers has made a decision on his future, the Green Bay Packers can move along with the next big order of business: All-Pro receiver Davante Adams.
With Rodgers back in the fold, the Packers are now expected to use the franchise tag on Adams, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Adams, a first-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, has an expiring contract. Using the franchise tag will keep him out of free agency and in Green Bay for at least another year, while also extending the negotiation window for both sides on a new, long-term deal.
Adams set new team records for catches (123) and receiving yards (1,553) in 2021. He’s been a Pro Bowler for five straight seasons.
The Packers can’t risk Adams getting to free agency and departing.
A new deal for Rodgers would help the Packers create cap space to fit in the franchise tag for Adams, which will cost a little over $20.1 million on the cap in 2022. The charge will immediately hit the cap once the Packers apply the tag.
The Packers need to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year on March 16. With Rodgers and Adams squared away, the Packers can shift focus to getting extensions and restructures done with other veteran players to shed cap space.
Adams wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, an understandable ambition given his talent and production.
Ideally, the Packers and Adams will come to terms on a long-term deal, especially with Rodgers expected to be in Green Bay for several more years. The two sides will have until mid-July to complete a new deal.
