Packers can change narrative with Davante Adams signing
The Green Bay Packers can change the vibe around their offseason by paying receiver Davante Adams in a big way.
This has not been a fun offseason for the Green Bay Packers.
After going 13-3 in each of the past two seasons, the Packers have fallen in the NFC Championship Game. This winter, the team dealt with the drama that is Aaron Rodgers wanting out of town, only to see him show up to training camp after agreeing on a revised contract.
However, the conversations around off-field situations regarding high-profile players isn’t over for the Packers. On Thursday, star wide receiver Davante Adams spoke to the media about his contract, which has one year remaining. The Pro Bowler wants to be paid equal to his talents, and didn’t hold back, per NFL.com:
“It’s not about being a baby, but what other profession do you take less than what you have earned? That’s not how it goes. I’ve earned the right to be paid the highest in the league.”
Then, on Friday, general manager Brian Gutekunst responded, per ESPN:
“Certainly, I agree with him that he’s definitely worth that,” Gutekunst said. “We believe that, as well. I think there might be just a little bit of difference in what we believe is the highest-paid receiver and what he might. I’m not going to get into the details of that. Again, we value him. He’s such a great player. He’s a warrior when he goes out there. Obviously, we would like to figure something out and will continue to work on that as we go.”
Gutekunst should seize the opportunity. The Packers have been painted as somewhat anti-player by Rodgers for most of the spring and summer. Signing Adams to a record-setting deal would suddenly show Green Bay values its best players, while also locking in a cornerstone whether Rodgers is or isn’t around in 2022.
Furthermore, the Packers need to give second-year quarterback Jordan Love a real weapon. Between Adams, running back Aaron Jones and tight end Robert Tonyan, Love would have a quality group of weapons around him for whenever he takes the controls, most likely in a year.
Ultimately, Gutekunst can flip the perception of both he and the Packers with one, expensive, deserved deal. He would be wise to make the move.
