Davante Adams Reportedly Entertained Signing With San Francisco 49ers This Offseason
If all of his needs were met Davante Adams’ offseason could have been different. Despite signing a two-year, $46 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams, they were not the first NFC West team to contact him about a possible contract. As it turns out, the San Francisco 49ers were very interested and even offered something to Adams, but the offer proved too low.
Recently, Adams spoke with Mike Silver of The Athletic and revealed early on in the free agency process San Francisco reached out to him and his agent about possibly bringing the East Palo Alto native back to the Bay Area. But according to the star wideout, the 49ers were unwilling to meet the $23 million annual salary the Rams ultimately offered him.
What Adams Would Have Brought To the 49ers
With the 49ers parting ways with Deebo Samuel, the franchise is now in the thick of a search to find a guy to replace him. Adams would have been the perfect candidate. Despite being on the older side for a wide receiver, as he will turn 33 years old before the 2025 season ends, he has proven he still has a bunch left in the tank. Finishing his Raiders tenure with 2,869 yards, he was traded to the Jets midway through last season with 854 yards and 7 touchdown catches. He wasted no time in being the star that the team needed.
Extending his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to five, Adams would have become a core piece immediately in San Francisco. While Tight End George Kittle has been the team’s bonafide No. 1 wide receiver over the last few seasons, Adams could have potentially changed that. With Brandon Aiyuk’s status uncertain for this season due to a torn ACL and Kittle dealing with a contract dispute, having Adams come in would have certainly relieved some of those stresses.
Adams’ Career Thus far
After starring at Fresno State, Adams was drafted 53rd overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2014 draft. After having more of a limited role during his first two years in the league, he broke out in 2016 with 997 yards and 12 touchdowns. It signaled the start of a dominant career at Lambeau Field. From there, Adams eventually developed into one of the league’s best receivers, earning five Pro-Bowl trips, being named a First-team All-Pro twice, and leading the league in touchdowns in 2020.
But after a contract dispute ahead of the 2022 season, he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders where he continued to shine. In his first season with the Raiders in 2022, he totaled 1,516 receiving yards and led the league with 14 touchdown catches, en route to being named to the Pro Bowl and a First-Team All-Pro. Even though Adams continued to play well for the Raiders over the next season and a half, he began to grow frustrated over the team’s direction and demanded a trade. That ultimately led to him landing with the Jets.
Final Thoughts
While Adams on the 49ers would have been the perfect fit, the franchise’s current financial situation would have made the move very difficult to make. With Quarterback Brock Purdy due for a massive extension, the team has had to let key players walk to free up cap space. Bringing in a guy like Adams on the deal that he wanted could have impeded a Purdy extension. With quarterback being the most important position, it makes sense that the 49ers are looking to have enough cap space to make it happen.
