In a move that had the NFL rumor mill buzzing, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly explored trading for veteran wide receiver Davante Adams this offseason. With the Rams already linked to Eagles WR A.J. Brown, who has been at the center of trade talks for months, the possibility of adding another top-tier receiver was tantalizing but complicated.
The Rams face a financial juggling act. Puka Nacua is eyeing a significant contract extension, and bringing Brown into the fold would add another $29 million to the 2026 payroll, alongside the $24 million Adams is set to earn. That’s a hefty sum for any team to manage, especially with three receivers potentially pulling in over $20 million annually.
Timing was crucial for Los Angeles. They aimed to finalize any trade before a fully-guaranteed $6 million roster bonus kicked in, making it increasingly likely that Adams will stay in LA for the upcoming season.
Adams, now 33, has had quite the journey since being drafted in the second round by the Packers in 2014. After finishing his rookie contract, he secured a four-year, $58 million extension.
By 2021, Adams was earning a base salary of $12 million and faced free agency in 2022, but the Packers kept him with a $20.2 million franchise tag. A blockbuster trade sent him to the Raiders, who handed him a five-year, $140 million deal, with nearly $66 million guaranteed.
His time with the Raiders was short-lived, as he moved to the Jets in 2024 for a third-round pick. After the Jets released him this past offseason, Adams inked a two-year, $44 million contract with the Rams ahead of the 2025 season.
With his extensive experience and proven track record, Adams remains a valuable asset. The Rams’ decision to explore trade options underscores the complex dance of balancing talent with financial realities in today’s NFL.