Why Davante Adams has every right to refuse playing under the franchise tag
Aaron Rodgers is back, but the Packers still have a lot of work to do when it comes to roster construction and cap maneuvering. However, they may have to put that to the side after Davante Adams told the team Monday morning that he will refuse to play under the franchise tag in 2022. Right […]
Aaron Rodgers is back, but the Packers still have a lot of work to do when it comes to roster construction and cap maneuvering. However, they may have to put that to the side after Davante Adams told the team Monday morning that he will refuse to play under the franchise tag in 2022.
Right now, Adams will make $20,145,000 in 2022 since that figure is higher than the standard $18,419,000 that comes with the tag. Yes, that's a lot of money and yes, that's the second-most cash a receiver will be paid this year – for now. But, Adams still has every right to refuse to play under the tag.
It's a simple, but logical and effective argument. Adams is widely considered as the best receiver in the league and both his production and his tape back it up.
All Adams has done is lead all receivers in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns since he signed his first big deal back in 2017. He's only three receptions away from tying Keenan Allen for the lead in that category, too.
It's more than fair to say Adams lived up to his first contract that paid him less than $15 million per year, on average. He definitely deserves a raise.
But not just a raise. A long-term deal, as well. Put it this way: Adams will be 30-years-old in December. No, that doesn't mean time is running out. He still has plenty of years left in the tank. What it means, though, is this is Adams' last true chance to get a deal that not only pays him what he's worth, but a deal that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the game. Sure, he'll continue to make a lot of money later in his career, but this contract can literally change not just his life, but the next three-to-four generations in his family. He won't get another shot at a deal like this at 33- or 34-years-old.
Adams has a chance to make $30-$40 million in one year with a long-term deal. Plus more. That's obviously much, much better than the $20 million he's set to make this year.
And there's nothing wrong with that. He deserves it. And the Packers should give him more than just a one-year deal.
Now, obviously, the tag extends the timeline to make a deal with Adams. So, this situation is far from over. It's good that Adams went ahead and made the Packers aware of his refusal, now, however. They're going to need as much time as possible to figure this out.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not that happens. But in regard to the big picture (and Rodgers' happiness), the Packers need to make sure they make the right decision.
Featured image via Mike De Sisti / USA TODAY NETWORK
