NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelicero reported Monday that star receiver Davante Adams informed the Green Bay Packers that he would not play on the franchise tag in 2022.
Green Bay slapped a nearly $20 million tag on Adams ahead of the March 8 deadline, as the two sides could not agree on terms on the long-term deal. Rapoport and Pelissero said on Monday that the sides were still far from over an extension of the contract.
Adams and the Packers have until July 15 to sign a deal otherwise the receiver will enter the 2022 campaign on the franchise tag. Unless he signs the tender, Adams is not obligated to attend minicamps, training camps or any other team workouts.
The All-Pro wideout extended his remaining four years, 2021, to $58 million, being third in the NFL in receiving yards (1,553) and fifth in receiving touchdowns (11). His status has been the subject of discussion for almost a year, starting with last off-season drama about the future of Aaron Rodgers and most importantly the Packers, and openly with former Fresno State teammate and current Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. The fire continued. Adams to join the Raiders in 2022.
As any intelligent franchise should, Green Bay wanted to prevent such a scenario and tagged Adams in about $20 million. But Adams' refusal to play on the franchise tag complicates things.
Just a week earlier, the Packers managed to avoid another protracted standoff with Rodgers, agreeing to a four-year, $200 million extension that lowers their cap number for the 2022 season. Rodgers' lower cap hit is notable because it was constructed, in part, to make it easier to tag Adams or sign him to a new deal.
Now that Rodgers is on board for another run, the Packers need to figure out a way to please both the quarterback and receiver to return. At 29, Adams is ready to capitalize on perhaps the last time in his professional career.