Davante Adams Signs Two-Year, $46 Million Deal with Los Angeles Rams

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Wide receiver Davante Adams has finalized a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams worth up to $46 million, marking a significant return to his home state of California. This move comes as the Rams look to fill the void left by Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, as they transition to Adams and Puka Nacua as key targets for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Adams was recently released by the New York Jets, quickly ending his brief tenure alongside Aaron Rodgers. After a successful eight-year stint with the Green Bay Packers, Adams joined the Jets mid-season last year, playing 11 games with the team after being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders in October.

Widely recognized as one of the premier receivers in the NFL for nearly a decade, Adams boasts an impressive record that includes six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, currently holding an active streak of five consecutive years of achieving this milestone. He also has two seasons where he fell just short with 997 yards.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Adams has compensated for not having elite speed by mastering route running and exceptional technique. In the previous season with the Jets, he recorded 67 receptions for 854 yards and seven touchdowns, highlighted by a standout 198-yard game against Jacksonville.

The Rams' decision to acquire Adams aligns with their strategy to revamp their receiving corps after Kupp's long-standing role as a reliable target under head coach Sean McVay. Kupp, who has two lucrative years remaining on his contract extension from 2022, is expected to have his future with the team resolved soon, especially with a $7.5 million roster bonus due next week.

Adams' addition raises the Rams' prospects for contending in the upcoming season. Following a successful 10-7 campaign last year, which included winning the NFC West, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round, and a narrow playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams are optimistic about their chances with Adams on board.

Teammates have expressed excitement about the signing on social media, with defensive back Quentin Lake remarking on the seriousness of the move, while Nacua playfully requested a Taco Bell collaboration, referencing Adams' previous advertisement work.

In addition to Adams, the Rams also recently re-signed Tutu Atwell to a one-year deal worth $10 million. Atwell, a second-round pick from 2021, has shown promise in McVay's system despite facing inconsistent playing time. This contract indicates expectations for him to serve as the No. 3 receiver behind Adams and Nacua. Jordan Whittington, a sixth-round draft choice who had 22 receptions for 293 yards as a rookie last season, is anticipated to see more action in the coming year.

Throughout his 11-year career, Adams has recorded 957 receptions, amassing 11,844 receiving yards and 103 touchdowns. A native of the Bay Area, he had a standout collegiate career at Fresno State.