Should the Packers Try to Bring Back Davante Adams?
By GilMartin

The Green Bay Packers are seeking a go-to receiver in 2025. They lacked a bona fide number one wideout last season and with Christian Watson expected to miss at least half of next season, the need for a number one wideout is even greater. Earlier this week, the New York Jets decided to part ways with former Packer Davante Adams. So, should the Packers seek to bring Adams back?
Adams spent eight seasons with the Packers before leaving after the 2021 season. He left the team under less-than-ideal circumstances and quietly demanded a trade. The Packers dealt him to the Las Vegas Raiders so he could be reunited with his college quarterback in Derek Carr.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out well for Adams in Vegas. Carr was no longer the starting quarterback before the 2022 season ended and the team struggled to win games.
Even without an elite quarterback, Adams continued to play well. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the sixth straight season in 2022 after catching 100 passes for 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdown catches.
Adams was traded to the Jets early in the 2024 season in a desperate attempt by the Jets to spark the team and help Aaron Rodgers. Adams played well but the Jets kept on losing. After the season ended, the Jets released both Rodgers and Adams.
There would be some definite positives to signing Adams. He certainly knows the Green Bay offense, having played three seasons under head coach Matt LaFleur. He also practiced with Jordan Love in 2020 and 2021 even if Love didn’t see the field much during regular season games.
Adams may be 32 and a little past his prime, but he remains a very good receiver. He still should have a year or two left to play at a high level. The Fresno State alum never relied on his speed exclusively to get open, anyway. His ability to get off the line of scrimmage and disguise his routes with technique were always a big part of his game and that should not diminish much with age.
Adams still wants a chance to win a Super Bowl before his career ends and signing with the Packers would give him a good opportunity to do just that. Of course, he would have to settle his differences with the Green Bay front office, but that seems like something that remains possible.
The Packers also wouldn’t have to give up any players or draft choices to acquire Adams now that he is a free agent. The Seahawks were reportedly asking for a first-round pick and either Dontayvion Wicks or Romeo Doubs in a trade for D.K. Metcalf. While that may be the opening asking price, any player the Packers need to trade for would require giving up a player or a draft choice or both. Adams just has to be signed to a new contract and the Packers certainly have the cap room to do that this offseason.
Adams would also have a chance to move up the Packers all-time leading receiving charts and improve his legacy in Green Bay even further. He needs just 74 catches to catch Donald Driver as the franchise all-time leader in catches. He’s fourth in franchise history in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches, just 26 behind the legendary Don Hutson.
The Packers would be able to get a reliable go-to receiver without breaking the bank or sacrificing the future.
Adams could also line up both on the perimeter or in the slot, and could set an example for the team’s younger receivers on how to be a pro. His presence could also help Love to take his game to another level with the addition of a go-to receiver.
Obviously, the price would have to be right, but Adams makes sense for the Packers in many ways and it’s not just for sentimentality.
It’s very rare that you can go home again. Even if Adams returns to Titletown, it’s not going to be the same as it was during his first tenure in Green Bay. But he can work with a good quarterback, have a chance to win a Super Bowl and add to his legacy while helping the Packers win. That’s a good deal for both sides.
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You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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Comments (35)
T7Steve
March 06, 2025 at 09:39 am
If they just want a field stretcher to replace Watson's ability to keep the D back up top, they can probably bring MVS back with Adams and they can have a reunion. That might risk AR wanting to show up with Lazard though.
Leatherhead
March 06, 2025 at 10:25 am
Steve.....here's the deal.
4 years in a row our season has ended with a weak offensive showing. So we should want to improve that. Replacing Watson, even with somebody just as good, only brings us back to where we were a year ago. If we want to improve the offense, we need more than this.
Literally, we could draft offensive players with our first five picks and they would all make the gameday roster: WR, TE, OL, OL, WR. And we'd have a chance to improve on last year's offense.
Replacing Watson with MVS or Adams isn't going to do that.
T7Steve
March 06, 2025 at 10:44 am
That's why I added MVS and all the reunion stuff. Kind of bad sarcasm on my part.
murf7777
March 06, 2025 at 03:36 pm
Sarcasm or not, I like the idea of bringing back MVS and Adams....Along with our other WR's we would have a lot of variety for Mlf to work with. It would be one of the strongest in the NFL.
splitpea1
March 06, 2025 at 10:11 am
I wouldn't be opposed to the idea at all. As stated, it wouldn't break the bank, the other receivers could learn from his example, and most importantly, he is still a reliable go-to receiver. Even with his last couple of teams he caught plenty of first downs and TDs, so having a receiver with his ability to get open and convert those third downs is something we could use. We would still need to draft a WR somewhat early, one with more speed, but signing Adams would help bridge the gap as the newly drafted receiver gains experience.
Leatherhead
March 06, 2025 at 10:22 am
No. He left. We offered him good money to stay and he left.
While he was here, in his prime, he didn't make the difference in the playoffs. I don't see any reason to believe that he would now.
Draft a legit #1 WR at #23.
fireball
March 06, 2025 at 10:48 am
Nice reminder: " . . . here, in his prime, he didn't make the difference in the playoffs. "
Green Bay Shareholder
March 07, 2025 at 11:37 am
A lot of people didn't make a difference in the Playoffs including the Head Coaches. Not sure that is pertinent to this discussion. Would you rather go to the craps table aka the draft - how far did our young receiving staff take us in the Playoffs last year ?
GregC
March 06, 2025 at 10:22 am
I never heard anything about Adams having a problem with the Packers front office. When he left, he said it was because Aaron Rodgers was not going to be around much longer, and he wanted to raise his family on the West Coast. Maybe there was some inside scoop that I missed, but even if there was, he has nothing but good things to say about the Packers now.
T7Steve
March 06, 2025 at 11:06 am
I wonder if that was all just us speculating on this site, because that's how I remember it too.
I've learned at my age not to trust my memory for any decisions, but I'm still confident enough to start arguments and then be corrected.
Leatherhead
March 06, 2025 at 11:42 am
I recall that we fell just short in 2020. I mean, we were really close. We had the best record, the bye, the homefield advantage. And we lost, 31-26.
Rodgers had like 350 yards passing. The defense generated 3 turnovers and held GOAT Tom Brady to a passer rating under 75. The Bucs only gained about 70 yards on the ground. There were several big plays....a pick by Rodgers that led to a big TD right before the half (Kenny King) , a fumble by Jones that led immediately to another TD.
Two of the biggest swings came when the Packers were first and goal, twice, threw it on every play and didn't complete any. Although players were open, it certainly appeared that Rodgers was "locked on" Adams...Davantevision...and that was a part of the failure. I don't blame Adams for Rodgers locking onto him, and he had a pretty good game. But he didn't make the difference for us. He wasn't even our leading receiver that game.
The next year, we had a top offense, Rodgers was the MVP, we had the top seed and homefield, again, and the 49ers came in here and the offense had one of weakest showings in Packers playoff history. Adams caught 9 balls for 90 yards, but again, did not make a difference for us.
That was the "Last Dance" season, and it was pretty widely reported that Adams wanted to play with the Raiduhs. Friends, hometown, stuff like that. The Packers actually signed him to a contract, then traded him to the Raiduhs, rather than just let him leave in FA.
So, Adams got paid to play where he wanted, the Raiduhs got their guy, the Packers got two premium draft picks for him. That sounds like a win all the way around. I never recall any acrimony.
As I said elswhere, in his prime he didn't make the difference for us in the playoffs, even with a HOF/MVP QB throwing it to him. I don't see any point in bringing him back. He doesn't stretch the field, he wouldn't be cheap, and he's not going to make a difference in the big games.
Starrbrite
March 06, 2025 at 05:10 pm
LH—great replay and analysis.
LLCHESTY
March 06, 2025 at 11:27 pm
So it was the fault of Adams there was a huge gap between WR1 and WR2 and the rest? 🤣
HarryHodag
March 06, 2025 at 10:40 am
The answer is quick: no. Too much baggage along with age. The shadow of His Darkness would also hang once again over the team.
LambeauPlain
March 06, 2025 at 11:51 am
What baggage?
HarryHodag
March 07, 2025 at 08:55 am
Sarcasm, I hope.
Packers0808
March 06, 2025 at 11:03 am
Adams was always a good team mate, made really no waves, great at his job, and be one hell of a mentor to our young receiver corp. Is all that enough to take another chance on him?
T7Steve
March 06, 2025 at 11:08 am
Only thing that would be nice is if he could break some records, get a championship and then retire as a Packer. Wonder if they could have him play both ways and play CB to help offset his contract?
Packers0808
March 06, 2025 at 03:05 pm
Give him a call and ask?
HarryHodag
March 07, 2025 at 08:56 am
Fantasy.
Green Bay Shareholder
March 07, 2025 at 11:39 am
Exactly - spot on Sir, he would elevate the play of his understudies just like Reggie White did and Charles Woodson - not saying he is in that category but that is what the effect of some veteran leadership brings. How about the other added bonus - he catches the ball !
TarynsEyes
March 06, 2025 at 11:09 am
I'm sure Adams can be a factor for a true SB contender, but bringing him back to GB thinking he will be the key to raising the Packer's contending level is not sound thinking.
If bringing him back to move pass Driver on the list is even more pathetic thinking.
If Adams is in search of an SB ring, then he needs to look elsewhere, regardless of how much he is actually needed or expected to be used. Any demand of high dollar money/years negates that thinking, regardless if true or not.
If you're not moving on and forward, you're losing.
If you're going backwards into the past, you're losing.
The past should never be repeated, your goal is getting better than what was and had.
Love at this stage doesn't need the pressure to help Adams achieve a personal goal, and Adams isn't what the team needs to get Love to achieve the team goal of an SB win, or less than an SB appearance.
This is not meant to ignore the much-needed improvement of MLF, who has played a huge hand in the reasons of missed opportunities for better success.
If I was Adams, I'd look to Buffalo, PHI, Bal, KC, if a Ring is what's most important for a two-year deal.
murf7777
March 06, 2025 at 03:39 pm
You're not repeating the past just because he used to play for the Packers. You would bring in Adams because he is still one of the best WR's out there and you don't have to give up draft capital to get him, ala DK who isn't in Adams league.
Lastly, getting a top 5 in production type of WR for Top 20 money due to age risk will help get GB over the top. That is because you can use the savings to go get other top players and not spend your wad on one player.
TarynsEyes
March 06, 2025 at 03:54 pm
You're partially right about not being the past, he won't have the accuracy of Rodgers on those back shoulder throws etc.
I didn't say he won't be viable, just not getting us to the SB, or stopping an early exit in the playoffs, if made, that is. This team could struggle for third place in the Division with Chicago.
stockholder
March 06, 2025 at 11:39 am
Adams is a possession receiver now.
I'd like him to come back.
But- He's just too costly and limited now.
What was a strength of the packers a year ago.
Quickly changed with the drops.
If we don't have what we need. Draft it.
murf7777
March 06, 2025 at 03:42 pm
What determines a possession receiver? His YPC are the same, he's close to the same amount of TD's if you extrapolate last year with the JETs and Arod.
stockholder
March 06, 2025 at 05:32 pm
A receiver with great hands, quickness, great route runner
but usually lacking total/breakaway speed....
Razer
March 06, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Adams has made his money and done his celebrity thing with his buds. It is time to move on to the next generation. If we want a good WR then draft a good one or two. Don't draft a raw athlete who you might be able to train up. Draft a savvy route runner who knows the craft. It is a young man's sport and these guys only sparkle for a short time then get expensive and injured.
LambeauPlain
March 06, 2025 at 12:08 pm
I believe Adams price tag will be too high, especially if Gutey acquires proven FAs at OL, CB, or DL.
He would be a solid addition in tangible ways in addition to on field production. He overcame his "dropsies" early in his career and should be able to help teammates do it too.
He is still a quality receiver with a high work ethic and a leader.
egbertsouse
March 06, 2025 at 01:15 pm
He’d have to get rid of the Taco Bell in his house and get a Chili John’s.
irishgary
March 06, 2025 at 04:37 pm
It's so ridiculous to think about bringing Adams back. This sounds like an article from a 12 year old.
Starrbrite
March 06, 2025 at 05:08 pm
I like Adams and would welcome him back. But, let’s go get Hendrickson—go get’em Packers!
And…Bring on the draft.
Go Packers!!!
Rhah
March 06, 2025 at 10:14 pm
I would sign him him if it makes sense salary wise or another veteran WR. I would also invest a high pick in a WR. I thought last year it, at times, WR was the Packers' biggest weakness. We need WRs that consistently catch the ball!
cdoemel
March 07, 2025 at 01:00 am
My biggest concern is not about receivers. Sign one and draft one. My concern is with who’s throwing the ball to them. 2024 was not good for 10. Inaccurate and bad decisions. I want the guy to be good soooo bad.
davekenya
March 07, 2025 at 01:59 pm
Maybe their best bet - if Gutey wants to make one difference making signing - is to go more 'all in' on Josh Sweat. Sweat seems to make his DEs 'better' - and we need more production out of Gary/Van Ness. This would mean the Adams vs. Metcalf debate goes off the table as we couldn't afford both.
As there's not really another FA WR to stretch the field at under 10M, maybe it would be smartest to see if actually using a #1 pick on this type of WR in the draft makes sense.
I appreciate I'm in the minority here, but I don't have a problem keeping JA one more year (even if it's only 1/2 year of healthy top production) for the 7M in cap money 'lost' in releasing him...as you can't get anything for 7M at the CB position for his skill level (again, even if only for 1/2 year)
This 'package' would upgrade DL, keep CB at par (use a day 2 pick here to upgrade) and a #1 at WR would in theory upgrade that position.
You can't have everything, but this would be low risk in cap dollars and only a bit of risk at WR (using a #1)...but every #1 pick would carry the same risk as the risk from a #1 spent at WR...
I'm less certain 'sitting on your hands' and only nibbling in FA would improve the Pack progressing in the playoffs further. The TT approach to saving cap money to extend our own players after the 2025 season seems to be spinning the wheels and not improving. So...some type of calculated risk 'spash' needs to happen...