In a transaction that would certainly overhaul the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive attack, the club has formally signed former All-Pro wideout Davante Adams on a two-year contract. This blockbuster move has sent shockwaves across the NFL as Rams aim to add firepower to their receiving corps and reclaim their status as Super Bowl contenders. But what is the implication here for the team’s long-term success, and how might Adams take their offense to the next level? Here’s what you need to know about the Rams’ newest signing.
We Are the Rams, So Why Did We Chase Davante Adams?
Los Angeles Rams: Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
The Rams have been looking for a stud wide receiver, and Adams fits the bill. Widely considered an elite route runner who creates separation, gets open by using his body to shield defenders and sets up defenders to create a rhythm, Adams was one of the most consistently productive receivers in the NFL for the better part of a decade. So what made the Rams set their sights on Allen?
The Playmaking Equation for the Rams
With a solid offensive line and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2024, the Rams never managed to get consistent playmaking out of their receiving group. Now star receiver Cooper Kupp tended to draw the attention of opposing defenses, and the absence of a reliable second option resulted in a stagnant offense unable to maintain a high-flying aerial attack.
With Adams, the Rams would add not simply another elite receiver but a player who could demand the attention of opponent defenses. This gives Stafford another weapon on the field with Kupp potentially getting better matchups.
Experience and Leadership Is What Is Needed
Adams’ veteran presence and wealth of experience will be crucial for Rams’ team wanting to regain its Super Bowl status. Over his career, Adams has accumulated more than 10,000 receiving yards and nearly 100 touchdowns, establishing himself as a respected leader in the locker room and an influential mentor to younger players. His penchant for performing in high-pressure environments — if the playoffs prove the case during the 2025 season — would be key for the Rams as they look to return to the postseason.
How Adams Will Fit in with the Rams’ Offense
Adams’ skill set is an ideal pairing for what the Rams are trying to put together on offense. The Rams, under the direction of their new offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur, are expected to become more pass-oriented, and Adams figures to play a central role in their attack. Here’s a deeper dive into how Adams’ skills will fit into the Rams’ established offensive structure.
Causing Mismatches All Over the Field
One of the most exciting features of Adams’ game is his ability to win any type of matchup. No matter whether it’s man-to-man coverage he’s facing or whether he’s lined up against a zone defense, Adams can expose the defenders’ weakest traits due to his incredible route-running abilities. His knack for making tough grabs in tight spaces will instill confidence in Stafford to take chances and drive the ball through defenders downfield.
With Adams on the squad, L.A. has two high-end wideouts in Kupp and Adams, both players with the ability to create mismatches. Defenders will pick their poison — double-cover Kupp, and Adams will probably make them pay, or focus on Adams, and Kupp will exploit the extra space. That dual threat also makes the Rams’ offense more dangerous and harder to predict.
A Red Zone Threat
The Rams have had a spotty red-zone offense in recent years, and the addition of Adams would do wonders to that part of their game. Adams is known for dominating contested situations and was impressive in the red zone. And whether it’s high-pointing the ball or making sharp cuts to get open, his skill set makes him a bona-fide red-zone threat. This is even more crucial when the Rams are trying to score, and more importantly, trying to turn those scoring opportunities into touchdowns instead of kicking field goals.
Opening Up the Run Game
Adams’ ability to stretch the field downfield will pay dividends in the running game for the Rams. With defenders needing to account for Adams as a deep threat, that will give the Rams more room to run the football. This should give running backs such as Cam Akers and rookie Kyren Williams more room to work with, making the offense more balanced and unpredictable.
How Adams Has Affected Matthew Stafford’s Play
He also has a cannon for an arm in Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and is known as one of the league’s best deep passers. But in 2024, Stafford dealt with abundant pressure as defenses often keyed in on Kupp as his number-one target. The acquisition of Adams provides Stafford with yet another elite-level pass-catcher to work with, giving him the ability to take more risks in the vertical game while forcing defenses to remain on high alert.
Stafford has a proven track with building strong relationships with his receivers and it doesn’t take him long to build chemistry with a new weapon. Bringing in Adams could reinvigorate Stafford’s game and take the Rams’ passing attack to another level. As the season goes on, expect Stafford to take more and more shots downfield, now that Adams can chase down and reel in throws from every corner of the field.
Super Bowl Implications: Can Adams Move Rams?
The NFC is more competitive than ever, and the Rams will have fierce competition from clubs such as the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles. But the Rams’ Super Bowl hopes are much brighter with Adams in the lineup.
Improved Offensive Firepower
The Rams’ offense now goes as one of the most potential-laden in the NFL, featuring strength in Stafford’s arm, quickness with Kupp and a skill set that only Adams holds. This trio gives the Rams a shot to match up with any team in the league, no matter the nature of their defensive schemes or personnel.
Playoff Experience Matters
This is not Adams’ first taste of playoff pressure. He had several deep playoff runs with the Green Bay Packers, and his veteran experience will be invaluable to the Rams in pressure-packed situations. When postseason time comes, the Rams can count on Adams to make big plays and make tough first downs, as he’s done his entire career.
A Complete Team
The Rams still have holes to fill on the roster, notably in the secondary and along the offensive line, but adding Adams locks down his offensive weapons. With a balanced offensive unit, a great defense, and special teams, the Rams have a real chance to make it to the Super Bowl again.
What This Means for Davante Adams
Adams, 32, is in his twilight years as a player but still able to perform at an elite level. The Rams’ two-year deal gives Adams the chance to fight for another title as well as set himself up for one more lucrative deal after the 2025 season. It also presents Adams with the opportunity to prove that he can still be a top-10 receiver in a new offensive system and setting.
The Legacy of Davante Adams
Adams’ signing with the Rams is just one more chapter in what has already been a Hall of Fame career. Looking to add a second Super Bowl ring to his resume, this was both an opportunity for championship glory and potential personal achievement. Adams has already established himself as one of the top receivers of his generation, and a strong run with the Rams could ultimately make him one of the all-time greats.
What This Deal Means for the Rams’ Future
Adams’s signing indicates that the Rams are pushing all their chips into the center of the table for a Super Bowl within the near future. And with plenty of offseason movement around the league, as one can expect, the team has made some significant changes to their roster indicating they mean business heading into the 2021 season. Adams’ addition is only half the equation, and the Rams will need to keep filling their roster with bodies of need — Andrew Whitworth and, if they’re lucky, Ade Aruna on the offensive line, plus any available options on the secondary end — to actualize their Super-Bowl-worthiness.
FAQs
1) Why is Davante Adams joining the Rams?
Adams is joining the Rams in order to help their receiving corps and provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with another top-tier weapon. Alongside Cooper Kupp, Adams will be a consistent target for the Rams that will make the team more competitive in the NFC.
2) How does Davante Adams make the Rams’ offense better?
Adams offers a deep-threat element, along with better route-running, as well as contested-catch ability. His addition gives the Rams a more explosive passing game, and opens up the running game by drawing the defense’s eye.
3) What does this mean for the Rams’ Super Bowl chances?
Having Adams on the roster, the Rams are more balanced and dangerous offensively. This move greatly enhances their Super Bowl hopes, as Adams gives them a proven playmaker who can deliver in big games.
4) What does this signing mean for Matthew Stafford?
Stafford gets an upgrade to a fellow elite-wideout in Adams, which should give him an even freer hand to be aggressive. How the connection between Stafford and Adams will be critical to the Rams’ success.
5) How old is Davante Adams, and how much longer can he be a quality player?
Age 32, Adams is still among the best wide receivers in the league. A new two-year deal with the Rams gives him the opportunity to
