According to NFL Insider James Palmer, several teams are expected to vie for free agent wide receiver Davante Adams when the 2025 NFL free agency period begins.
Adams’ most recent team, the New York Jets, released the 32-year-old veteran after a decent run in 2024. He racked up the second-most receiving yards on the team and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns in just 11 games.
The second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft had an incredible stretch from 2017-2022, with all but one of those seasons coming with the Green Bay Packers. He made the Pro Bowl each season and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in the last three, leading the league in receiving touchdowns twice.
The 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders was a frustrating campaign for Adams that was well-documented on the Netflix series “Receiver.” Hampered by annoying injuries, Adams was also visibly upset with then starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and had only slightly better success with his replacement, Aidan O’Connell.
With rumors running rampant about Adams’ desire to leave, the Raiders traded the wideout to the Jets after Week 3 of the 2024 season, so the star could reunite with former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers. The pairing couldn’t muster much, as the team went 5-12. The Jets parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh early on, hired Aaron Glenn as his replacement earlier in the offseason, and also released Rodgers.
Green Bay Packers: A Potential Homecoming
According to Spotrac, Adams’ market value equates to a two-year deal totaling $27 million, which would put him as the 21st-highest paid receiver in the league. The contract would be comparable to those signed by Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans, Tyler Lockett, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Senior NFL reporter James Palmer believes there will be five teams who will be most interested in signing Adams when free agency begins.
First on Palmer’s list of potential fits is the Green Bay Packers. While the Packers have expressed confidence in their young receiving corps, adding a proven veteran like Adams would elevate their offense.
Davante Adams update, per @JamesPalmerTV:
• Packers considered an option; comfort with Matt LaFleur is real
• Chargers fit West Coast desire; pairs well with Ladd McConkey
• Broncos, Patriots have money to spend on vet WR
• Aaron Rodgers' landing spot also option pic.twitter.com/PNCxAWhoX2— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 4, 2025
Adams himself hinted at a possible return to Lambeau Field during an appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, stating, “It’s looking right now like they [Packers] might need some receiver help in one way or the other. … Maybe a veteran or something we’ll see.”
When asked about the possibility of Adams returning, Packers quarterback Jordan Love expressed enthusiasm, saying “I’m not mad about it. Davante, that’s my guy. Obviously, I was with him for a good amount of time there in Green Bay, [Wisc.,] my first couple seasons, and I know exactly what type of player he is, and a phenomenal guy.”
Love praised Adams’ separation skills and playmaking ability. This mutual respect could be a significant factor in Adams’ decision-making process. But, would rejoining the Packers organization damage his relationship with Rodgers?
Josh Jacobs would also be on board with signing a proven target like Adams, as he reportedly urged the front office, “[W]e need a guy who’s proven to be a No. 1 WR already.” Jacobs also admitted to having talks with Adams about coming back to the team that drafted him.
Los Angeles Chargers: A New Chapter in LA?
The Chargers finished 17th on PFSN’s Offensive Rankings for 2024, playing conservative ball for most of the season as the team’s elite defense spearheaded much of their success. Ladd McConkey led the squad as the top receiver in his rookie season while Quentin Johnston showed some improvement in his second year. The team is predicted to select a running back with their first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Though PFSN’s Sterling Xie predicted the Chargers could trade for Seattle Seahawks stud DK Metcalf, adding Adams wouldn’t require sacrificing players or picks.
With the fifth-most cap space in the league at a little over $65 million, the Chargers are in a good position to make a solid offer to Adams. There could be some extra incentive for Adams to return to the AFC West and face his old employer twice a season.
Denver Broncos
In 2024, the Broncos ended up at 16th in PFSN’s Offensive Rankings, with Xie noting Denver was ahead of schedule after snapping its long playoff drought.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright predicted Broncos fans would be disappointed with Denver’s inability to sign a big-name wide receiver in free agency, and PFSN’s predicted Sean Payton would opt for veteran tight end Zach Ertz.
Running back is a top priority for Denver. Could that need exceed the push for a top wideout?
In his mock draft, PFSN’s Brentley Weissman had the Broncos taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick in the draft, while Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and UNC running back Omarion Hampton could be nice consecutive selections. Elusive Missouri wideout Luther Burden III is also a top option.
With a potential draft pick joining such a young wide-receiver room, mixing in a proven target in Adams could accelerate their development.
Denver has the budget to land Adams. The Broncos have almost $41 million in available cap space, good enough for 17th most in the NFL. But, would Adams want to play with a second-year quarterback in Bo Nix as opposed to a more polished Justin Herbert? Nix surpassed expectations in 2024, but how would Adams handle a potential sophomore slump?
New England Patriots
The Patriots have long sought a game-changing wide receiver. The offense placed 26th in PFSN’s Offensive Rankings for 2024.
While it’s been predicted New England could entertain a trade for Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver Cooper Kupp, Adams represents a more affordable option. The former Jet could be the missing piece to revitalize the Patriots’ offense and return them to playoff contention, while also giving Adams the chance to stick it to his former employer twice a year.
New England also has the most salary cap space in the league. Signing Adams wouldn’t even put that big a dent in their budget to bring in other top free-agent talent. The question remains, would Adams be comfortable with a young quarterback like Drake Maye? Or would he prefer a more proven passer?
The Aaron Rodgers Factor
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Adams’ free agency is the potential reunion with Rodgers. The duo’s chemistry in Green Bay was undeniable, and whichever team lands Rodgers might have an inside track on signing Adams as well.
Adams discussed the possibility of reuniting with Rodgers, saying, “I don’t know if there is any convincing Aaron of anything. It’s going to be hard enough convincing me of anything. I think both of us are just trying to figure out where our heads are at and figure out what’s the best move.”
As the buzz around free agency ramps up, Adams shapes as one of the most coveted players on the market. His elite routes, reliable hands, and game-breaking ability make him a potential difference-making asset for any offense.
While the Packers appear to have a sentimental edge, the allure of a new challenge or the opportunity to reunite with Rodgers could sway Adams’ decision.