The possibility of Davante Adams returning to the Green Bay Packers has ended following Matthew Stafford’s announcement that he will return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. Adams, who has been pursuing a chance to reunite with the Packers after leaving under strained circumstances four years ago, now faces a closed door as Stafford’s comeback secures Adams’ role with the Rams.
Originally, Adams departed from Green Bay after the 2021 season, the final year of his $58 million contract extension signed in 2017. That season, Adams delivered one of the best performances of his career, setting franchise records with 123 catches and 1,553 receiving yards, along with 11 touchdowns. His outstanding play earned him a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl and back-to-back First-Team All-Pro honors. A year prior, he had tied Sterling Sharpe’s Packers record by scoring 18 receiving touchdowns in a single season.
Despite impressive numbers, contract negotiations between Adams and the Packers faltered over salary expectations. The Packers applied the franchise tag, which Adams rejected, eventually leading to his trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. Surprisingly, Adams secured a smaller extension with the Raiders than what Green Bay had offered.
Adams’ Journey After Leaving Green Bay: Raiders, Jets, and Rams
Adams spent two full seasons with the Raiders before being traded in mid-2024 to the New York Jets, allowing a brief reunion with Aaron Rodgers. Both Adams and Rodgers were released in March of the following year. Rumors circulated about Adams potentially rejoining Green Bay, but no agreement materialized. Instead, Adams signed a two-year, $44 million contract with the Rams.
Throughout the 2025 season, Adams performed remarkably, leading the league with 14 touchdown receptions. Despite his success, speculation about his future with the Rams surfaced when an industry report named him a possible cut candidate. However, releasing Adams would have caused a substantial dead cap penalty for Los Angeles, either $14 million before June 1 or $10 million afterward, making such a move unlikely unless significant changes occurred.
Stafford’s Return Secures Adams’ Place with the Rams
The key factor influencing Adams’ position with the Rams was Stafford’s health and future plans. Stafford nearly missed the 2025 season due to a back injury that sidelined him from most of training camp. There was uncertainty around whether he could continue playing at a high level. Instead, Stafford led Los Angeles to a 12-5 record, topping the NFL in passing yards with 4,707 and touchdown passes with 46. He earned his third Pro Bowl selection, First-Team All-Pro recognition, and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player.
At the NFL Honors ceremony, Stafford dispelled retirement rumors and confirmed his intention to return for an 18th season in 2026. This decision effectively ends any chance of the Rams releasing Adams to save cap space, as the two players’ success is closely linked.
The alternative scenario of Stafford retiring, which might have freed up salary to let Adams go, apparently did not materialize. Even if the Packers had considered bringing back the now 33-year-old receiver despite past tensions, the door is now shut with Stafford’s commitment to the Rams.
Adams Reflects on His Past with the Packers Amid Current Circumstances
Amid the ongoing playoffs, Adams acknowledged his history with Green Bay and the rivalry’s intensity. Prior to the Rams’ Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears, who had defeated Green Bay in the Wild Card Round, Adams remarked,
“Once a Packer, always a Packer,”
highlighting his enduring connection despite no longer being part of the team.
Though the Packers and Adams may eventually hold a ceremonial reunion, possibly with a one-day contract after his retirement, Adams’ pursuit of a Super Bowl victory continues far from Lambeau Field for the foreseeable future.
