Where could Packers Davante Adams sign as a free agent?

Introduction

The Green Bay Packers are a mess right now. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not play another snap for the franchise, and wide receiver Davante Adams will likely not re-sign with the Packers. During minicamp, Adams said that he would not hold out nor miss games to negotiate an extension, so barring a trade fans should expect Adams to be in Green Bay in 2021. 

If Adams hits the free-agent market after the 2021 season, he will be coveted throughout the league. However, after refusing to sign for anything less than a market-setting contract, the team that signs Adams will have to spend a large portion of their salary cap. Other factors, like pre-existing connections and quarterback play, will undoubtedly also play a part in Adams’ decision.  

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are the most likely destination for Adams, and rightfully so. The 2020 wide receiver draft picks Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Lynn Bowden–who was traded before his rookie year–all look like busts. The Raiders have an alpha weapon in tight end, Darren Waller. Pairing Waller with Adams will give Derek Carr two top receivers to combine with Josh Jacobs at running back. 

Derek Carr has had a relationship with Adams since their time in college. Together, the two dominated at Fresno State University and both went on to be second-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. A reunion has publicly been discussed and it could propel the Las Vegas Raiders to the playoffs. 

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have a wide range of outcomes for the 2020 season. If the Bears stick with Andy Dalton and he does not play well, the franchise will be in a bad position. Additionally, if the Bears start Justin Fields and do not win games, the Bears will have a gloomy outlook. The Bears traded their 2022 first-round pick to the Giants when they traded up for Fields, so they can not add a playmaker in the first round.

Allen Robinson has stopped negotiating a long-term extension with Chicago, so the Bears will likely be without a playmaker on the roster for next year. If the Bears do not offer Robinson a massive extension after the season is over, they will look towards the free agent group of wide receivers. Players like DJ Chark and Michael Gallup are solid contributors, but Adams is the cream of the crop. The Bears adding Davante would give Justin Fields a premier wide receiver to work with for the rest of his rookie contract. With Davante, the Bears could be the favorites in the NFC North for the foreseeable future.  

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have yet to splurge on a big-name free-agent since Chris Ballard took on their general manager role. The Colts have been conservative with their offseason moves, making sure that they would have space for extensions for players like Darius Leonard, Quentin Nelson, and Braden Smith.

The Colts’ wide receivers are some of the worst in the league. Michael Pittman Jr. flopped as a rookie, Parris Cambell has yet to stay healthy for a whole season, and T.Y. Hilton is no longer an above-average player. Davante Adams may command a 4-100 extension, but given his play the past few seasons he is worth it. The Colts need to give Carson Wentz a capable wide receiver if they want him to play well, and Davante is the best in the league right now.